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Section Spotlight

Cutting edge research and a new $56 million state-of-the-art facility make Queen's Chemistry an exciting environment for graduate students.

Waste

All chemical waste disposal is carried out by the Department of Environmental Health and Safety; sinks and garbage cans are not to be used for chemical waste disposal. All chemical waste must be segregated according to the procedures outlined below in Waste Chemical Disposal.

The general procedure for disposing of waste chemicals is outlined below in Disposal Procedures Hazardous Chemicals. Solid and liquid chemicals boxed for disposal are collected on Thursdays. The procedure for disposing of waste radioisotopes is outline below in Disposal Procedure Radioisotopes. Flammable liquids such as common organic solvents must be placed in solvent disposal cans (red with wide mouths and flame arrestor) which are identified as to point of origin. This waste should be collected in separate containers for Halogenated and Non-halogenated waste (<3% halogen content). Flammable liquids in solvent disposal cans are collected on Tuesdays. Containers which have been used to store chemicals, such as stock bottles, but which are empty may be disposed of with the normal garbage; these bottles should be washed and the labels defaced before they are placed in the garbage.

WASTE CHEMICAL DISPOSAL

The purpose of the following instructions is to prevent dangerous chemical reactions if there is an accident during transit.

Waste Disposal Form

Chemical disposal instructions
All chemicals must be packed by the user Department in sturdy containers, using an inert packing material such as vermiculite.
Chemicals must be taken from the laboratory by the user to the pick-up point. Disposal companies require that chemical wastes be identified as members of one of the following categories:
Group A	Inorganic Acids Elements and inorganic salts that do not liberate gaseous products when acidified.
Group B	Inorganic alkaline chemicals Organic bases Elements and inorganic salts which liberate gaseous products when acidified.
Group C	Solid organic compounds (excluding bases)
Group D	Organic liquids (excluding organic bases) NOTE: Separate containers must be used for halogenated and non- halogenated Group D liquids.
Group E	Inorganic oxidizing agents NOTE: Group E chemicals cannot be stored or transported with any other chemicals in a common container.
Group F	Pesticides
Group G	Shock sensitive materials Organic oxidizing agents Pressurized containers, gas cylinders Materials that react violently with water

DISPOSAL PROCEDURE HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS

DEFACE all containers that have hazardous material warnings if they no longer contain hazardous materials

SEGREGATE incompatible materials (see back of pink form)

SEPARATE unopened, unused chemicals from other material to be disposed

LABEL the chemical name, contaminants (including levels when known), concentration (molarity, dilution factor, etc.), must appear on each individual bottle, bag, box or container of chemicals or by-product. To comply with transport regulations, an inventory must be attached to external packaging (pink forms are provided for your convenience)

COMPLETE and ACCURATE IDENTIFICATION of all materials is the single most important factor in providing safe, environmentally sound and cost- effective hazardous waste management. UNKNOWNS can not be transportedIndividual departments must bear all costs for analysis/identification when the identity of a material can not be determined (with certainty) by the originating department.

PACKAGING

1. Solid Chemicals must be packed in cardboard boxes with an acceptable absorbent material such as vermiculite surrounding the individual containers (styrofoam chips are not acceptable as they are reactive and non-absorbent).
2. Liquid Chemicals must be packaged as above, in their original shipping containers, or (if they are non-corrosive) in suitable non-breakable containers approved by E.H.& S.
3. Flammable Liquids must be placed in Solvent Disposal cans (the red ones with the wide mouth). Cans must be clean, with an intact flame arrestor and labelled according to point of pickup. Non-flammable, non-corrosive liquid material may be mixed with flammable material provided that the materials are compatible.

SCHEDULING (1. & 2.) on THURSDAY (3.) on TUESDAY

DISPOSAL PROCEDURE RADIOISOTOPES

DEFACE all radioactive warning labels

SEGREGATE long-lived isotopes from short-lived isotopes

SEPARATE active material from slightly contaminated materials liquid-filled scintillation vials from all other material

LABEL fill out tag and attach one per bag (not to be used to seal bag). You need to identify the isotope and estimate the activity in millicuries (mCi) or microcuries (uCi) (if you have two isotopes, clearly indicate the activity of each), give the date, your permit number and name of the person packaging the material. Tags may be obtained through Stationery Stores (ext. 3626).

PACKAGING

1. All solid radioactive material, excluding scintillation vials, must be packaged in clear plastic bags as we are required by the Atomic Energy Control Board to do visual checks to ensure that all radiation warning labels have been defaced. Suitable bags are available through Stationery Stores (ext. 32626).
2. Scintillation vials should be packaged in heavy dark green bags (opaque 6 mil) and users must ensure that bags are not leaking. Individual vials must be securely sealed and separated from all other materials. Please note that there is no longer a need to sub-package mini-vials in bundles of 50 or 100. A large supply of opaque bags is still available through Stationery Stores (ext. 32626).
3. Flammable or organic liquid isotope material must be placed in flammable waste disposal cans as for other flammable wastes. Radioisotopes may be mixed with other materials provided that the materials are compatible. Non-flammable aqueous isotope materials should be treated in the same fashion or placed in other suitable containers provided they do not leak and have been approved by E.H. & S.

SCHEDULING (1. & 2.) on THURSDAY (3.) on TUESDAY