July 2000 SOP-CHEM-01 TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Contents 1.0 PREAMBLE...3 2.0 CHEMICAL WASTE DISPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS...4 2.1 PRIOR TO DISPOSAL...4 2.2 IDENTIFICATION...4 2.3 SEGREGATION...4 2.3.1 Hazardous Waste Disposal Forms...5 2.4 LABELING...5 2.5 PACKAGING...5 3.0 WASTE DISPOSAL COST...6 4.0 DISPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR OTHER HAZARDOUS WASTES...6 4.1 NON FLAMMABLE LIQUID WASTE...6 4.2 FLAMMABLE SOLVENT WASTE...6 4.3 OIL AND LIQUID WASTE...7 4.4 POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS (PCBS)...7 4.5 BATTERIES...7 4.6 PAINT...8 4.7 AEROSOL CANS/COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS...8 4.8 PHOTOGRAPHIC DEVELOPER AND FIXER...8 4.9 ASBESTOS...8 4.10 SILICA GEL...8 4.11 SOLID WASTE CONTAMINATED WITH TRACE CHEMICALS...8 4.12 RADIOACTIVE WASTE...9 4.13 BIOHAZARDOUS WASTE...9 4.14 CARDBOARD BOXES & EMPTY CONTAINERS...9 4.15 X-RAY FILM...9 5.0 WASTE REJECTION CRITERIA...9 6.0 DISPOSAL SCHEDULING...10 6.1 PICKUP TIME...10 6.2 PICKUP LOCATIONS AND DEPARTMENTS SERVICED...10 6.2.1 Regular Weekly Locations...10 6.2.2 Locations Serviced by Appointment...10 7.0 SUPPLIES ORDERING INFORMATION...11 8.0 CONTACT INFORMATION...11
July 2000 1 SOP-CHEM-01 1 Preamble 1.0 Preamble The Queen's policy statement on Environmental Management outlines the University s commitment to the protection of the environment through the implementation of an effective Environmental Management Program. An important aspect of this program is the proper handling, storage, and disposal of all hazardous waste generated on campus. The Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Act and Regulations set out guidelines for the safe handling and transportation of dangerous goods. It is therefore necessary that all waste chemicals are adequately packaged and labelled, in order to comply with all applicable regulations, and to insure appropriate and safe disposal of hazardous chemicals.
2.0 Chemical Waste Disposal Instructions July 2000 2 SOP-CHEM-01 2 Chemical Waste Disposal Instructions Read through the following procedures carefully prior to packaging any laboratory chemicals for disposal. The staff of Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) will not pick up any packages that are not in compliance with the following requirements. 2.1 Prior to Disposal (I) (II) (III) EMPTY containers MUST BE DEFACED of all hazardous symbols and warnings prior to disposal in regular garbage. Ensure no hazardous residue is present. Determine if another person or department could use any unused or unopened chemicals. NO HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL is to be flushed down the drain. (See the City of Kingston Sewer Use Bylaw) Reference your MSDS, or contact The Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) if unsure of the chemical s properties. 2.2 Identification Complete and accurate identification of all chemical waste is the most important factor in providing safe and environmentally sound hazardous waste management. Furthermore, it is illegal to transport unknown materials under the TDG Regulation. It is therefore essential that the chemical name, contaminants and concentrations be identified. NOTE: INDIVIDUAL DEPARTMENTS MUST COVER ALL COSTS OF ANALYSIS/IDENTIFICATION WHEN THE IDENTITY OF A MATERIAL CANNOT BE DETERMINED WITH CERTAINTY. 2.3 Segregation In order to insure safe shipment and compliance with transportation regulations, it is required that all chemical waste is sorted and packaged according to compatibility groups. An outline of these groups can be found online along with the Hazardous Waste Disposal Form, see section 2.3.1. To prevent dangerous chemical reactions in case of an accident during transit, package each group of chemicals in a separate box. NOTE: Some chemicals classified as EXPLOSIVES cannot be transported by regular means. If you come across any of these please call EH&S Shock-sensitive compounds that are suspected to contain unstable PEROXIDES should be considered extremely dangerous and must be handled very carefully. To avoid the chance of an explosion, DO NOT attempt to open such bottles (i.e. ethers, picric acid, etc.) Use caution when handling air, water, and other reactive and dangerous substances.
2.3.1 Hazardous Waste Disposal Forms July 2000 3 SOP-CHEM-01 2 Chemical Waste Disposal Instructions Forms can be downloaded from http://www.safety.queensu.ca/hazwaste/wasteform.htm Fill out all information directly online, click submit and print out a copy of the form using your browser. The printed copy must be placed in a packing envelope available from EH&S and attached to your package. More than one form can be submitted, just back click after submitting one page to retain your personal information. IMPORTANT: Completed Hazardous Waste Disposal Form(s) must be submitted electronically to EH&S prior to sending chemicals for disposal. Packages will not be picked up if the forms are not submitted by Tuesday the week of the pickup. THIS APPLIES ONLY TO CHEMICALS DESCRIBED IN SECTION 2.0 OF THIS DOCUMENT (i.e. containers containing solid and liquid chemicals packaged in boxes for Thursday pickup). Forms do not need to be submitted electronically for the disposal of solvents on Tuesday. 2.4 Labeling Ensure EACH INDIVIDUAL ITEM (bottle, bag, box, etc.) is clearly labelled with the chemical name, contaminants and concentrations if known. Do not write common names. List all components by their specific, non-abbreviated chemical names. UNKNOWNS WILL NOT BE TRANSPORTED. In addition, a complete inventory of all chemicals in a package is required. Completely fill out the Hazardous Waste Disposal Form and attach it to each container or package containing chemical waste. Ensure the (1) Chemical name, (2) Group, (3) Quantity (specify L or Kg) and (4) Generator Information is included for each item. Packages with incomplete forms will not be accepted. DO NOT TAPE THE WASTE DISPOSAL FORM TO THE PACKAGE. Forms must be folded and placed inside Self-Adhesive Packing Envelopes. These can be ordered through EH&S. (See Section 7.0 for ordering information.) 2.5 Packaging Chemical containers must be sealed and undamaged. Individual containers must be packaged in cardboard boxes with an inert absorbent material such as vermiculite. Styrofoam chips are not acceptable, as they are reactive and non-absorbent. Do not package too many containers in one box and ensure adequate absorbent is added to prevent shifting and breakage of containers during transport. Fill the box with vermiculite and seal it completely. Boxes with loose contents, protruding bottles, missing or open lids will not be picked up. The waste generator assumes responsibility for proper packaging and labelling. Unless the previous shipping & warning labels correspond to the type of waste you are packaging, the labels must be defaced.
July 2000 4 SOP-CHEM-01 3-4 Waste Disposal Cost, Disposal Instructions for Other Hazardous Wastes 3.0 Waste Disposal Cost EH&S will cover the disposal cost of chemical waste generated through normal research activities. EH&S does not cover the cost of laboratory decommissioning, larger laboratory cleanups, or large amounts of chemicals marked as specials. These include shock sensitive, water and air reactive chemicals, cyanides, explosives, chemical lecture bottles and other wastes that require specialized waste disposal. The cost for these disposals must be covered by the researcher s research grant, department or by an associated project budget. The maximum amount of chemicals that will be picked up by EH&S is the equivalent of approximately 3 medium size boxes (40x30x30 cm) per laboratory. Due to the requirement to separate chemicals into compatible groups, more than 3 smaller packages will be accepted. Cost recovery departments, clubs and other organisations will be charged back the cost for waste disposal. Please send a completed Interdepartmental Supply Requisition (ISR) to EH&S. 4.0 Disposal Instructions for Other Hazardous Wastes 4.1 Non Flammable Liquid Waste Specialized 5L non-breakable containers can be purchased for non-corrosive, non-flammable liquid waste from Environmental Health and Safety. See Section 7.0 for ordering information. These are only recommended for small quantities of liquid waste (less than 5 L/week). If you are producing larger amounts, you should purchase a round 20L plastic water canister with a wide mouth, available from most hardware stores (e.g. Canadian Tire). The container must be clean and clearly labelled with the researcher s name and department so a return location can be determined. Hold containers for disposal until they are 90% full, unless you produce very small quantities of waste (i.e. less than one full can per month). This is to avoid weekly disposal of partially filled containers. Some compatible wastes may be mixed with flammable solvent waste (e.g. liquid ethidium bromide, liquid radioisotope waste, etc.). Contact EH&S prior to purchasing canisters or mixing wastes. See Section 3.2 for further instructions. 4.2 Flammable Solvent Waste Flammable solvent waste must be placed in solvent disposal cans. These are red, 20 litre, wide mouth containers available through Fisher Scientific, Levitt Safety, etc. Cans must be clean, with a functioning and intact flame arrestor, and clearly labelled with the researcher s name and department, so a return location can be determined.
July 2000 5 SOP-CHEM-01 4 Disposal Instructions for Other Hazardous Wastes Fill to 90% capacity to provide sufficient headspace for changes in ambient temperatures. Hold containers for disposal until they are 90% full, unless you produce very small quantities of waste (i.e. less than one full can per month). This is to avoid weekly disposal of partially filled containers. For proper handling and storage of solvent waste refer to the Queen s University Flammable & Combustible Liquids Handling Procedures. Some non-flammable, non-corrosive liquid waste and liquid radioisotope waste may be mixed with flammable waste provided that the materials are compatible. For radioactive materials further labelling requirements apply. (See the Queen s University Radiation Safety Policy & Procedures Manual available in all radioisotope laboratories & on the EH&S website.) 4.3 Oil and Liquid Waste This waste will be picked up in appropriate containers that are clean and properly sealed. Containers should not be larger than 20 L, unless special arrangements are made with EH&S Leaking Containers will not be picked up. The proper disposal procedures are as follows: (I) (II) (III) Attach a completed Hazardous Waste Disposal Form to one of the containers, clearly stating the type and source of waste. Physical Plant Services and other organisations or clubs, must complete and send an Interdepartmental Supply Requisition (ISR) form to the main office of EH&S Call 74976 or 32999 to arrange for disposal. 4.4 Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) DO NOT bulk any liquid potentially contaminated with PCBs. If PCBs are suspected, contact EH&S to make special arrangements for testing and transportation. Please call EH&S for the disposal of transformers, old capacitors, ballasts and other parts that could potentially contain PCBs. 4.5 Batteries All waste batteries must be placed in a box along with a completed hazardous waste disposal form and dropped off at the pickup location in your building. Ensure there are no leaks. Batteries with missing caps or leaking with acid will not be picked up.
July 2000 6 SOP-CHEM-01 4 Disposal Instructions for Other Hazardous Wastes 4.6 Paint Latex paint can be disposed in the regular garbage, provided the cans have been allowed to dry and no liquid paint residue is present. E.H.&S will collect all other paints. Ensure cans are sealed and not leaking. For easier handling, place cans in a cardboard box and attach a completed hazardous waste disposal form. 4.7 Aerosol Cans/Compressed Gas Cylinders Do not throw aerosol cans & cylinders out with regular garbage. Place all cans in a box along with a completed Hazardous Waste Disposal Form. 4.8 Photographic Developer and Fixer Photographic waste is picked up in 20 L plastic water canisters with a wide mouth. These can be purchased from most hardware stores (e.g. Canadian Tire). The containers must be clean and clearly labelled with the researcher s name and department, so a return location can be determined. Hold containers for disposal until they are 90% full, unless you produce very small quantities of waste (i.e. less than one full can per month). This is to avoid weekly disposal of partially filled containers. 4.9 Asbestos Asbestos must be sealed in a 6 ml plastic bag, clearly labelled ASBESTOS. Attach a completed Hazardous Waste Disposal Form and include the source location of the asbestos. 4.10 Silica Gel Waste silica will be picked up in plastic jugs and/or 20 L pails. Do not place waste silica in glass containers. Follow disposal instructions outlined in section 2. 4.11 Solid Waste Contaminated with Trace Chemicals Some waste contaminated with trace amounts of chemicals can be rinsed and disposed of in the garbage as regular waste. Ensure all warning labels are defaced prior to disposal. See your MSDS or call EH&S for disposal instructions, as some rinse may need to be collected. Solid waste contaminated with chloroform and ethidium bromide is disposed of as Biohazardous Waste. See Section 3.13.
July 2000 7 SOP-CHEM-01 4-5 Disposal Instructions for Other Hazardous Wastes, Waste Rejection Criteria 4.12 Radioactive Waste Special tagging requirements must be met. (Consult the Queen s University Radiation Safety Policy and Procedures Manual for packaging and disposal information.) Package scintillation vials in 6 ml plastic only. Radioisotope waste tags, and disposal bags can be purchased through EH&S See section 7.0 for ordering information. Ensure the activity is present on each tag, and ALL radioactive stickers or symbols are defaced. 4.13 Biohazardous Waste Consult the Queen s University Biohazards Safety Manual for specific waste disposal instructions. Special hazardous waste tags are required. Disposal bags and hazardous waste tags can be obtained through EH&S See Section 7.0 for ordering information. Waste contaminated with trace ethidium bromide, chloroform, etc. can be included with biohazardous waste. 4.14 Cardboard Boxes & Empty Containers TDG Regulations require that all shipping labels and warnings are defaced prior to recycling and disposal in the regular manner. 4.15 X-Ray Film Do not throw x-ray film in regular garbage. Place all film in a box clearly labelled WASTE X-RAY FILM and call EH&S to arrange for pickup. The 3 rd and 6 th floors of Botterell Hall have cardboard boxes set-up beside the two developers. 5.0 Waste Rejection Criteria EH&S reserves the right to reject any waste that does not meet the specified criteria for proper disposal. Waste will be rejected if a box/container is not properly identified, improperly packaged, leaking, or forms are not completely filled out. The researcher will be contacted by EH&S and asked to correct the problem.
July 2000 8 SOP-CHEM-01 6 Disposal Scheduling 6.0 Disposal Scheduling 6.1 Pickup Time (I) (II) Flammable solvent waste and compatible non-flammable liquid waste (e.g. flammable and combustible solvents, photographic developer, some radioactive liquid waste, etc.) is picked up weekly on Tuesdays. All other chemical waste is picked up weekly on Thursday along with Radioisotope and Biohazards waste. Included are solid and liquid chemicals, batteries, paint, aerosol cans, asbestos, etc. Please drop off all waste at the pickup location by 9:30 AM on the day of the pickup. This is to prevent stockpiling of waste in public access locations, thus minimizing the chance of an accident or a spill. 6.2 Pickup Locations and Departments Serviced Waste will be picked up from designated locations in your building. If your building is not a regular weekly location (see below), call E.H.&S at 74976 to arrange for disposal. Several buildings outlined below are part of the weekly pickup route and there is NO NEED TO CALL, just ensure the waste is dropped off at the designated location prior to 9:30 AM on the day of the pickup. 6.2.1 Regular Weekly Locations 1. Etherington Hall: Cupboard, Southeast entrance next to KGH. 2. Botterell Hall: Loading dock, Southwest. 3. Biosciences Complex: Loading dock, North End 4. Frost Wing: Loading dock, East End 6.2.2 Locations Serviced by Appointment 1. Agnes Etherington Art Center: Ground level room north of West End loading dock 2. Bruce Wing: Loading dock, Northeast 3. Dupuis Hall: Loading dock, East, lower (usually) 4. Ellis Hall: Loading dock, Southwest 5. Humphrey Hall: Loading dock, Northeast 6. McLaughlin Hall: Southwest entrance 7. Nichol Hall: South central entrance 8. Ongwanada Resource Center: West entrance 9. Ontario Hall: Loading dock, East 10. Stirling Hall: West entrance next to Rideau Building
July 2000 SOP-CHEM-01 Table of Contents 7.0 Supplies Ordering Information Several waste disposal supplies can be obtained from Environmental Health & Safety by emailing Safety@post.queensu.ca. Include an account code, room number, department and building information with your order. Items available include waste disposal bags, sharps containers, 5L waste containers, radioisotope tags, waste tags, self-adhesive packing envelopes, fluorescent light bulbs for biological safety cabinets. 8.0 Contact Information Department of Environmental Health & Safety 207 Stuart Street Rideau Building Kingston, ON Main Office: ext. 32999 Waste Disposal Information: ext. 74976 Fax: 33078