Non-Hazardous Chemical Disposal
The Environmental Affairs Program accepts all kinds of unwanted chemicals from campus clients for reuse and disposal. If the chemical is not regulated by the US Environmental Protection Agency, is not considered a hazardous material either by OSHA (the agency which governs workplace exposure to hazardous materials), is not considered a hazardous material by the US Department of Transportation, and is not significantly toxic, or other known human health or environmental hazard, the item may be disposed by sewer or normal trash disposal.
No chemical may be sewered if the pH is below 5.5; if the material does not contain contaminants above certain limits established by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD), is not flammable or combustible, does not contain an objectionable odor, is not highly pigmented, or could otherwise interfere with the operation of the MMSD's treatment facilities. Generally, solid and insoluble materials should not be sewer disposed. Along with MMSD restrictions, we want no chemical put into the sewer which could potentially harm a plumber who may have to work on that waste line or sink trap.
In addition to the above considerations, no chemicals may be put into the normal trash for disposal unless it is harmless, and it is packaged tightly in a sturdy, leak-free container, labelled with an appropriate label [such as "non-hazardous chemicals" or (as used in Chemistry) "safe powders"]. Generally, liquids should not be disposed in the normal trash. In addition to restrictions on normal trash disposal imposed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and our solid waste hauler and disposal contracts, we want no chemical put into the trash or dumpster which could potentially harm a custodian or technician who empties the trash receptacle. We also want to cause no harm to the workers who drive the garbage trucks or operate the landfill.
For additional information, please contact staff in the Environmental Affairs Program at x4999 or x2883.
Other Resources:
- Non-Hazardous Solid Waste
section of EPA's "Environmental Management Guide for Small Laboratories"
October 2, 2007 by SAK