Always perform a "hazardous waste determination" before disposing of any chemical waste into the trash or down the drain. In general, chemical waste is hazardous if the pH is at or below 2 OR at or above 12.5 (corrosive waste) OR the flashpoint is below 140 degrees Fahrenheit (flammable waste) OR the waste is normally unstable (reactive waste) OR it is toxic. Chemical waste that is not flammable, corrosive or reactive is often managed as toxic.

Hazardous waste management is more thoroughly described in the classroom Hazardous Waste Management workshop, which is mandatory for all hazardous waste handlers.

These are highly toxic materials that are capable of causing or significantly contributing to an increase in serious irreversible or incapacitating illness. For our purposes, they include discarded unused formulations of trichlorophenol, tetrachlorophenol, and pentachlorophenol AND discarded commercial chemical products, including dilutions, that are specifically listed as acute hazardous wastes (also called P-listed chemicals).

You can reuse empty reagent bottles as chemical waste containers, making sure that the container is compatible with the anticipated waste. Or, send an email to peter.a@pasifikaeaglechemicals.com and request the type and number of containers you would like.

Chemicals become hazardous waste when someone decides to no longer use them. Label containers as soon as they contain even one drop of an unwanted chemical. Mark the container with the words “HAZARDOUS WASTE” or with words that identify the contents of the container, such as “Waste Sulfuric Acid/Lead.”