Hazardous Waste Containers

Containers for Hazardous waste do not need to be anything special. Regulations (and common sense) dictate that they should be compatible with the waste they are to contain (for example: a metal container would not appropriate for acid-containing waste).

Containers must be labeled, at a minimum, with the following items:

• The words "HAZARDOUS WASTE"
• A description of the waste -(Include the waste stream type if possible; common waste streams at Earlham include:
  • Non-Halogenated Solvents: acetone, alcohols, mineral spirits
  • Halogenated Solvents: methylene chloride, chloroform
  • Heavy Metals : arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, selenium, silver)
  • Others (corrosive waste, reactive waste, oxidizer waste, etc)
• The date waste was first added to the container
• The date the container was full (should never exceed one year)
• Other information (optional, but highly recommended)
  • Such as what process the waste is generated from
  • Volume date (dates and amount added)

Containers should remain closed at all times, except when adding waste to the container.

It is highly recommend that waste containers be placed in some type of secondary containment, such as a plastic bin, in case of a spill or overflow. Also waste containers should be accompanied by some type of means to clean up an accidental spill or overflow (a bucket of cheap kitty litter works well.)

If you need a container, label, or if you have a filled container, please contact the Chemical Hygiene Officer.

Earlham's normal waste disposal is in May/June of each year. Waste will be picked up at that time unless other arrangements have been made.