Guidance Sheet 6 Chemical Disposal

Guidance Sheet 6 Hazardous Chemical Disposal The purpose of this Guidance can also include chemicals that are  Do not mix solid and liquid sheet is to provide information on no longer required, have waste. how to dispose of waste chemicals deteriorated or have passed their generated in science, material use by date.  Do not combine organic technology, food technology, art solvents with toxic metal Waste products generated from and other relevant areas in waste. hazardous workplace chemicals schools. often have similar hazard  Keep recyclable oils separate characteristics to the chemicals Effective disposal procedures and from oil contaminated with from which they were derived. equipment must be used to control solvents, halogens, laboratory Because of their hazardous nature or reduce the risk from waste chemicals and fuels. they need to be properly chemicals in the workplace. packaged, labelled and stored  Provide secondary prior to disposal. All waste chemicals must be containment, either by the disposed of on a regular basis and provision of spill trays or by should not be permitted to build Packaging and bunding. up, expire, or otherwise pose a risk labelling to the workplace environment. Waste containers must be labelled Empty chemical packaging may to identify their contents prior to only be disposed of in general using them as a waste receptacle. waste if: Ensure all other labels are  There are no hazardous removed and replaced with the residues (attained via triple following, as a minimum: rinsing or evaporation).  Product identifier e.g. organic  Any labels have been waste, inorganic waste, etc. removed.  Name, address and telephone  The lids have been removed. number of the workplace.  A hazard pictogram consistent with the correct classification Segregation and of the chemical (if relevant). storage The requirements for the storage Chemical wastes must be of chemical waste are similar to packaged in containers that are the requirements for the storage of compatible with the waste material. workplace hazardous chemicals. For example, acids and bases should not be stored in metal Chemical waste is usually containers and corrosives should temporarily stored within the be stored in glass containers. school laboratory or workshop Hazardous waste where it was generated. Containers should be leak proof management and sealed with screw-on caps. There must be appropriate controls Chemical waste can be produced Storage requirements include: for waste chemicals in the event of from many different activities in a spill. These may include: schools, including science  Using leak-proof containers with appropriate screw-on laboratories, technology  Segregate according to major caps (to prevent the release workshops and art areas. waste types, such as organic of vapours). Types of chemical wastes include solvents, chlorinated organic acids, alkalis, or toxic laboratory solvents, inorganic chemicals,  Keeping waste containers chemicals, photographic bulk oils (e.g. cooking or closed except when adding chemicals, petroleum and automotive). waste. degreasing based solvent, oil based paints, paint thinners, glues  Do not overfill liquid waste  Provision of drip trays or and adhesives. Chemical waste containers. purpose built chemical

Guidance Sheet 6: Hazardous chemical waste disposal – September 2016 1 Guidance Sheet 6 Hazardous Chemical Disposal storage cupboards / cabinets 3. Store and segregate with inbuilt spill retention. hazardous chemical wastes into waste types and Storage of chemicals in their  according to DG Class respective Dangerous Goods compatibility requirements. Classes taking into account incompatibilities within a class. 4. Review chemical stores annually, and if required  Fume hoods should not be arrange a school-wide used as designated waste chemical waste collection. storage areas.

Hazardous waste disposal It may be possible to neutralise acidic, alkaline, oxidising or reducing wastes in school laboratories where staff have the required experience and technical competence. However, if there is any doubt, the waste should be removed by a licensed contractor.

Schools should arrange at least annually a school wide collection and disposal of hazardous chemicals by a licenced chemical disposal company.

All EPA approved chemical disposal companies are permitted by DET to collect and dispose of chemicals from schools. The EPA Prescribed Industrial Waste database can be accessed here

A manifest completed prior to disposal will enable the licensed contractor to plan for the collection and disposal and to record chemicals that are removed from Further information and advice the school. can be obtained by contacting DET’s OHS Advisory Service on Summary 1300 074 715 or E-mail: [email protected] 1. Package and contain hazardous chemical waste in appropriate containers. Chemical Disposal – Manifest School Name: 2. Label hazardous chemical Contact Phone Number: wastes. Person: School Fax Number:

Guidance Sheet 6: Hazardous chemical waste disposal – September 2016 2 Guidance Sheet 6 Hazardous Chemical Disposal Address: Suburb and Email Address: Post Code: Additional Notes: Chemical Container name & size concentrat (L or Kg) ion (if known)

Guidance Sheet 6: Hazardous chemical waste disposal – September 2016 3