Leaking, rusted, dented or bulging containers must have secondary containment. All hazardous wastes must be collected for disposal, not poured down the drain, with few exceptions. Allowing hazardous wastes to evaporate in an open container in a hood constitutes illegal disposal via air. Waste stickers should not be used for used oils, unless grossly contaminated with a hazardous waste. Incompatible wastes must be stored separately.
Unknown wastes are illegal.
EHS can make arrangements for characterizations and disposal. Chemicals with no foreseeable use should be disposed of promptly. Regular laboratory chemical containers must be labeled with the contents or some type of identification. Unlabeled containers can be mistaken for unknown waste. Clean Harbors, our waste contractor, is on campus and will be working on special projects over the next two weeks.