One of the first things to pursue regarding hazardous chemicals or reagents is to search for substitutes that are nonhazardous and can be disposed of in traditional waste streams. It is important to research each of the laboratory's chemicals and reagents - specifically, whether acceptable substitutes are available.
Obviously, each chemical or reagent has its own properties and may require specific types of disposal. OSHA standards may apply here. The Safety Data Sheets (SDS), formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), accompany each product and contains information on proper handling, toxic effects, etc. They might also give suggested means of disposal. The SDS must also include sections 12-15 to be consistent with the UN Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), although OSHA does not enforce the content of these sections. A screenshot of section 12 is shown below, but sections 12-15 all pertain to environmental considerations:
Section 12. Ecological Information
This section includes information about how the chemical will affect the environment, such as
- environmental toxicity testing;
- degradation and persistence in the environment;
- bioaccumulation and potential to contaminate groundwater; and
- global warming potential, ozone depletion, and others.
Section 13. Disposal Considerations
This section includes:
- recommended disposal containers and methods of disposal;
- description of properties that may affect disposal activity;
- special precautions for landfill and incineration activities; and
- language discouraging sewage disposal.
Section 14. Transportation Information
This section includes:
- various identifiers;
- potential hazardous transport;
- special precautions for employees; and
- other related information.
Section 15. Regulatory Information
This section includes:
- any national or regional regulatory information.
