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Background
This country generates approximately 200 million tons of hazardous waste each year. The American people, increasingly concerned about the disposal of these wastes, have demanded a reduction in the quantity and toxicity of hazardous waste that is generated. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) requires Binghamton University, as a large quantity generator of hazardous waste, to certify that we have programs in place to reduce the quantity and toxicity of the waste generated here on campus. Policy
This
Management Procedure is to remind all schools, departments, offices
and individuals that it is university policy to comply with all applicable
federal, state, and local environmental health and safety regulations.
Generators of hazardous waste must continually review their procedures
for purchasing, receiving, handling, storage, use, and disposal of hazardous
chemicals with the goal of reducing the quantity and toxicity of waste
generated. There are a number
of techniques that can be used to help minimize the amount of hazardous
waste generated. In addition to minimizing hazardous waste,
many of these techniques are accomplished by good housekeeping and following
safe laboratory practices.
Waste Minimization Techniques
1.
The first step to effectively
minimize the amount of hazardous waste generated is to maintain a current
inventory of all chemicals being used and stored in your lab or work
area. Properly label all chemicals
to prevent the generation of unknowns and use older chemicals first
before they degrade or become contaminated.
Use the chemicals you have on hand before ordering new chemicals.
2.
Only order the amount
of chemicals that you will need in the immediate future. Although chemicals appear cheaper when purchased
in large quantities, when the actual usage, storage, and disposal is
factored in, the cost savings diminish significantly.
3.
Properly store your
current chemical inventory. Improper
storage of chemicals can result in containers degrading and chemicals
becoming contaminated, labels that degrade and result in the generation
of unknowns, and chemicals becoming unstable and/or potentially explosive.
4.
Chemical containers
should be dated when first opened.
This is useful for verifying chemicals that are past their expiration
date and should be disposed of.
5.
Substitute less hazardous
or non-hazardous chemicals for hazardous ones when feasible. There are a number of substitutes available
for commonly used chemicals and procedures. When purchasing thermometers,
select non-mercury containing ones.
6.
Use recycled chemicals
whenever possible. There is
an on-going recycling program for usable but unwanted chemicals. All recycled chemicals are in their original
containers and many still have their factory seals. See the Hazardous Waste Management Guide for more information
or call 7-5799.
7.
When using lecture bottles
and cylinders, determine if the manufacturer will take back the empty
cylinders/lecture bottles before you place an order. If at all possible, order only from manufacturers
who will accept empty cylinder and lecture bottles for return.
8.
Investigate converting
to micro-scale activities, which result in fewer chemicals needed for
experiments and less hazardous waste generated.
9.
Follow the guidelines
listed in the Binghamton University Hazardous Waste Management
Guide. Waste minimization techniques for specific
waste streams are included in the guidelines.
10.
Dispose of unwanted
or waste chemicals in a timely manner.
If you no longer plan to use chemicals that you have on hand,
or the containers are very old, properly dispose of the chemicals according
to Management Procedure #808.
If
you have any questions regarding waste minimization techniques, contact
the Hazardous Waste Manager at 7-5799.
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