Liquid Hazardous Waste

 2_5_1Liquid

General Rules for Managing Liquid Hazardous Wastes

  • Containers must be closed at all times except when physically adding waste
  • Containers must be labelled with all chemical constituents (and their approximate % by volume), including water
  • Segregate liquid waste from solid wastes
  • Store small (<1 gal) containers in a secondary containment (tray or tub)
  • Glass bottles on the floor must be stored in a secondary containment (tray or tub)
  • Leave adequate headspace in liquid containers (~1” is sufficient for a 4L container; leave more or less depending on the size of your waste container)
  • Accumulate any Mercury-containing liquids or compounds in their own container
  • 4-liter glass bottles, 10- and 20-liter plastic carboys, and 20-liter metal cans are available at no charge from EH&S by calling 392-8400

Flammable Liquids and Solvent Wastes

  • Segregate from oxidizers within SAA (separate secondary containment)
  • Do not mix halogenated solvent waste with non-halogenated waste
  • For small quantities (<5 gallons), accumulate in glass bottles
  • For larger quantities (>5 gallons), accumulate in metal cans
  • Ensure installed grounding straps are attached when pouring into waste containers
  • Ensure area free of heat or open flame

Corrosive Liquid Wastes

  • Segregate acidic wastes from alkaline wastes within SAA (separate secondary containment)
  • For small quantities (<5 gallons), accumulate in glass bottles
  • For larger quantities (>5 gallons), accumulate in plastic carboys
  • Never accumulate corrosive liquids in a metal container

Always accumulate hydrofluoric acid (“HF”) in a plastic container; NEVER USE GLASS FOR HYDROFLUORIC ACID