Waste

Small consumer size batteries, AA, AAA, C, and D are classified as hazardous waste by the Cal/EPA. Due to the large volume used at the University, the EHS Department collects batteries for recycling or other proper disposal. Alkaline, nickel-cadmium, nickel-iron, carbon-zinc, carbonaire, lead-acid, magnesium, mercury, and lithium batteries can all be disposed of by the EHS Department.

NOTE: Personal, household batteries are NOT to be included in the University battery collection processes (a rather costly production). Contact your local County Solid Waste authority for the location of your closest Household Hazardous Waste drop off site.

If you have 5 lbs of batteries or more, you must fill out a Hazardous Waste Disposal Request form and send the form to EHS (fax #: x7049) and we will pick them up from your area. Under no circumstances should you send batteries, or any other hazardous waste, through campus mail.

Laboratory personnel are responsible for developing protocols for identifying, segregating, properly packaging, and arranging with the EHS Department to dispose of bio-hazardous waste.

The following materials are among those defined as bio-hazardous (biomedical) waste:

Sharps must be contained in leak-proof, rigid, puncture-resistant, durable plastic containers. These containers are red in color and equipped with a tight-fitting lid for use during handling and transport.

Free flowing liquid waste is contained in leak-proof, rigid durable containers. This container shall contain a suitable chemical disinfectant and shall be labeled with the biohazard symbol and the word "biohazard." These containers must be closed during handling and should be placed within leak-proof containers for transport.

Solid bio-hazardous waste is collected in plastic waste bags, which must be stored inside a rigid container. This outer container must be labeled or clearly display the bag's biohazard symbol. If this outer rigid container is reusable it must be decontaminated after
the biohazard bag is removed. A polypropylene bin can be used to hold bio-hazardous waste bags and can be placed into the autoclave with the waste bags. Bags should be closed, covered, or contained in a cabinet or refrigerator at the close of each workday.

Steam sterilization of solid waste using an autoclave is the most commonly used method of decontaminating bio-hazardous waste. Regulations require that record-keeping, training, and quality control checks be performed to assure adequate sterilization conditions. A biological indicator must be run monthly and a chemical integrator must be run on every decontamination cycle.

We recommend the following time and temperature parameters for decontamination waste:

Human pathological waste, non-human primate pathological waste, animal carcasses and animal parts must never be disposed of in the general waste stream. To arrange for disposal of human pathological waste, or Vivarium animal waste, contact the EHS Department. Disposal arrangements should be made BEFORE animal products are obtained from sources outside the University.

Liquid wastes must not be disposed of as solid waste. Human and non-human primate blood, blood products and other free-flowing body fluids must be treated prior to disposal in the sewer system. Small amounts of these fluids can be treated by the addition of chemical disinfectants. The solution must be rendered sterile prior to disposal in the sewer. Alternatively, one could autoclave the fluid and dispose of it to the sewer. Prior to disposing of these wastes in 10 liter or greater volumes, contact Environmental Health and Safety at x5179.

Autoclave tape should be used on biohazard bags to show that the waste has been treated.

Bagged waste that contains glassware or hard plastic pipettes should be packaged in a cardboard box and labelled with "LABORATORY GLASSWARE." Bagged waste and boxes of LABORATORY GLASSWARE can be placed in the regular waste container for the laboratory.

There is a difference between "sharps" waste and "laboratory glass" waste and it is important to understand the difference and handle these wastes accordingly.

"Sharps" are a restricted waste according to state and local regulators and must not be disposed of in the regular waste stream. The term "sharps" is a regulatory waste classification associated with those instruments used to puncture, cut, or scrape body parts and that, as waste, can cause punctures or cuts to solid waste handlers or the public. This is interpreted to mean that any instrument is meant to be used in this manner must be disposed of as sharps waste. The sharps definition includes, but is not limited to, the following items:

Such items must be disposed of in an authorized sharps container, which is leak proof, rigid, puncture-resistant, and durable plastic. It is red in color and equipped with a tight-fitting lid for use during handling and transport. Five sizes of sharps containers are available. Sharps containers are to be disposed of through the University Bio-Hazardous Waste Contractor.

If the "sharps" were used with a chemical and cannot be safely autoclaved or you do not know the designated collection points for your building, contact Environmental Health and Safety at x5179.

Large plastic buckets used for glass pasteur pipettes are not autoclavable so they must never be used for biologically contaminated items.

"Laboratory glass" and plasticware are not considered "sharps" for disposal purposes. "Laboratory glass" (including plastic-ware) is any item that could puncture regular waste bags and therefore endanger waste handlers. "Laboratory glass" must be placed in sturdy cardboard boxes for safety during transport through the building. Any cardboard box may be used, provided it is sturdy and of a size that will not weight more than 40 pounds when full. Boxes must be labeled with the room number and principle investigator's name. The sealed box is placed alongside the regular waste container for collection by Custodial Services.

Remember, laboratory glass that is disposed of in cardboard boxes must be appropriately decontaminated, where necessary, prior to disposal.

Glass pasteur pipettes not used for biological materials may be disposed of in a large plastic bucket which is labeled with the principle investigator's name and room number. These buckets are not autoclavable so they must never be used for biologically contaminated items.

(Consult the CSUSB Chemical Waste Management Plan found in the CSUSB Laboratory Safety Manual for more information on the disposal of chemical wastes).

Due to their unique properties, gas cylinders require special handling and procurement procedures. This management practice describes how to handle, package, store, and ship gas cylinders properly on campus. This procedure is a general guideline and may not be applicable to all situations. Contact EH&S at x5179 for additional information or assistance.

Highly toxic (poison) gases require special engineering and administrative control and a permit from the local Fire Department. Before purchasing a highly toxic gas consult with EH&S at x5179.

Any cylinder used on campus must be labeled clearly. The labeling should list contents, concentrations, hazard classifications, safety precautions, and the manufacturer. The cylinder must be in good condition, non-leaking, with an operable valve or regulator. For cylinders without valves and regulators, a closure cap should be in place.

Cylinders should be moved using a hand truck or cart designed for that purpose. Always make sure a cylinder is moved with its valve protection cap in place. Safety glasses, chemical resistant gloves, and closed toe shoes should be worn when handling cylinders. Secure cylinders by using a floor stand, wall bracket, or bench bracket before taking off the cylinder cap. After removing the protective cap, check the valve for any damage. Any dirt, dust, oil, or grease should be removed with a clean rag. Regulators contaminated by surface oil and grease should not be attached to oxidant gases. Oxidants in contact with combustible substances can be explosive.

Pressure regulators are used to lower the gas pressure supplied from a high-pressure cylinder to a workable level. There are two kinds of pressure regulators designs: single stage and two stage; both have similar outward appearances. Single stage pressure regulators are recommended when precise control of delivery pressure is not required. The two-stage regulator provides precise control of the gas being consumed.

Brass regulators are good for most general use applications. When working with low concentration mixtures of hydrocarbons where trace contaminants may be an adsorption problem, brass regulators with stainless steel diaphragms may be more desirable. An all stainless steel regulator is best used for high purity gases. Corrosive gases require regulators designed specifically for the gas type.

Compressed gas cylinders should be stored in an organized, ventilated, well-lit place away from combustible materials. Gas types should be separated from incompatibles and the areas marked. No manufacturer applied labels, decals, or cylinder content information should be damaged or removed from the cylinder. Any storage area must be protected from excessive heat, open flame, or ignition sources. Storage outside should be above grade, dry, and protected from weather conditions.

Store cylinders so the oldest products get used first. The valve must be removed on empty cylinders and disposed of as scrap metal or returned to the supplier.

In general, chemicals that are caustic, corrosive, flammable, toxic, or explosive are considered hazardous. Be aware that not everything that is non-hazardous is non-regulated. Refer to the Chemical Waste Management Guide or call EHS at x5179 if uncertain.

Certain acids and bases may be neutralized and disposed of to the sewer by the person who generated the material. Specific instructions and neutralizing agents are available through EHS at x5179.

Unknowns present a serious problem and expense for the University. Without an accurate chemical name, chemicals can neither be handled nor disposed of in a safe manner.

Unknowns should be processed for collection and disposal as soon as possible following discovery. Do not store these wastes in satellite areas. Any information, such as history and physical properties that can be provided to the hazardous waste staff will aid in the investigation and identification of unknowns.Currently, the cost of analysis is approximately $83 for unknowns of less than 4L (1 gallon).

The problems presented by unknowns can be reduced by periodic examination and inventory of stock chemicals, promptly labeling new containers, and disposing of all unused and waste chemicals from a satellite area prior to a faculty or staff member's departure.

Chemicals must be in an appropriate container compatible with the waste, with a securely fastened lid. As a rule, containers that were designed for solid reagents should not be used for liquids.

All containers must be labeled with a Hazardous Waste Label unless the container has the original manufacturer's label on it already. The label must state all components of the waste and their percentages (percentages must add up to 100%), as well as the health and physical hazards of the material and the generator's name.

To arrange for disposal of a material complete a "Hazardous Waste Disposal Request" form and submit to the EHS Department. When filling out the form, do not use chemical abbreviations or empirical formulas. Be sure to list all components in the mixture using percentage by volume (percentages must equal 100%). Be aware that large requests, volume, or number of containers may take longer to be collected.

Wastes that are generated on a regular basis may be set up as a routine collection. To qualify for a routine request pickup, the composition of the waste generated must be identical each time. This is an extremely efficient process for collection. Your routine waste is assigned a number that is kept in our database; when you call in or e-mail the routine number to be picked up, we automatically know the waste's composition, regulatory codes, disposal options, and where you are located.

Once the waste is packaged, it needs proper labeling so that there is no uncertainty about what the waste parcel contains. Each item must be labeled with:

Properly packaging radioactive waste is very important for safety and regulatory reasons, and to maintain a healthy, worry-free working environment for everyone at the university. Radiation Safety exists primarily to address these kinds of issues, so please call if you need help or advice.

Several Liquid Scintillation Coctail (LSC) manufacturers now produce non-hazardous fluids, some marketed as being sanitary sewer disposable. There are currently only a few sanitary sewer disposable LSCs approved for sanitary sewer disposal by the university. Contact the campus Radiation Safety Officer before considering a purchase.

LSC is used to detect minute quantities of weak beta or alpha emitting radio-nuclides. In order for it to work at maximum efficiency, the fluid must typically be mixed with the radio-nuclide itself, contaminating the fluid.

When the LSC is composed of hazardous materials, the waste produced is by definition mixed waste (hazardous material with a radioactive component). Special exemptions are in place for LSC, however, when the radioactive material concentration is below certain
regulatory limits. This allows the disposal of LSC as Hazardous Material, but does not necessarily mean sanitary sewer disposal is allowed. Hazardous Material cannot generally be disposed of in the sanitary sewer (See the current list of chemicals approved for sanitary sewer disposal for more information).

Lead is a hazardous material and must not be placed in radioactive waste. It is recyclable, though. Lead that is not contaminated with radioactive material, and which has had all radioactive labels on it removed or defaced, can be removed from your lab. Simply place the lead items in a small box and contact the EHS Department for a waste collection. Be sure to mention that you have lead for recycling.

Please do not initiate the purchase of radioactive materials that have a hazardous component or require mixing with a hazardous component, unless it can be shown that the hazardous component is neutralized during use.

The reason for concern is that it is evident that these materials will eventually end up as waste and would put the University in violation of mixed waste regulations. Fortunately there are many situations where the waste produced is not a mixed waste.

Most low-level mixed wastes consist of low-level radioactive wastes combined with hazardous materials in the same matrix. This presents several challenges because each type of waste is regulated by a different agency, with different rules and applicable laws.

LLW is defined in 10 CFR 61.2 ( Code of Federal Regulations) as "radioactive waste not classified as high-level radioactive waste, transuranic waste, spent nuclear fuel, or byproduct material as defined in section 11e.(2) of the Atomic Energy Act"

At the federal level, this type of waste is either listed as a hazardous waste in Subpart D of 40 CFR Part 261.31-33 or which exhibits any of the hazardous waste characteristics identified in Subpart C of 40 CFR Part 261.20-24 (ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, toxicity). State law is more restrictive and found in the Health and Safety Code of the California Code of Regulations.

The challenging aspect of mixed waste is that it contains LLW, which is regulated by the Atomic Energy Act (AEA) and Hazardous materials, which are regulated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). RCRA specifically excludes from its definition of solid waste "source, special nuclear, or byproduct material as defined by the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended." Trying to properly handle materials that are subject to differing regulations is difficult and often costly.

There are currently no regulated wastes that are approved for sewer disposal. If you have any questions concerning this issue, please contact the EHS Department.

Remember, hazardous waste cannot be discharged to the sewer. Dilution to meet these limits is not lawful. All discharges must be recorded in a Sewer Discharge Log, which is posted near the discharge sink.

If you accidentally spill a radioactive, bio-hazardous or chemically hazardous material, there are some special procedures you should follow to make sure things don't get worse before they get better.

First of all, if there is an emergency or if anyone is in danger, immediately call 911! Emergency personnel will be dispatched to help you.

If, however, there is no immediate threat to health you should use your best judgment to decide whether to call for help or to address the matter yourself. The guidelines below are intended to help you make this decision.

Being forewarned is being forearmed! Having a well thought-out chemical spill kit or biological materials spill kit stored in a suitable place and updated regularly will not only make accident clean-up easier but will significantly add to peace of mind in the workplace.

Clean-up materials are required in every laboratory, so make it a priority to put a good spill kit together.

These procedures are suggestions only. Remember you must have the knowledge and/or training, to deal with spills of specific materials, before you can begin using them.

First, again, call 911 for help if there's an emergency! Second, determine exactly what it is you've spilled. Most of the time you'll only have one type of dangerous material at a time. However, if the spilled material contains a mixture of chemical, biological, and radioactive material, consider the threats separately and address them in the following order:

Chemical Hazards: Many chemicals can cause immediate injury -- address these first!
Biological Hazards: Bio-hazardous materials must first enter the body through a specific exposure route. Once in the body the host's immune response determines whether or not infection will take place. Knowing the identity of the infectious agent and the route of exposure is essential in being able to clean up spilled bio-hazardous materials safely. Address these second!
Radioactive Hazards: Radioactive materials, though rarely pose an immediate threat in the University environment, they are heavily regulated, can spread very easily, and can be difficult to clean. Time of exposure and distance from the material are key factors in determining a dose (the shorter the exposure time and the further away from it you are, the smaller the dose). Address these as soon as you can!

Once you know what kind of substance you're dealing with, there are special techniques to use to deal with the spill:

The EHS Department collects and disposes of several tons of waste every year. In the end, the majority of these items are incinerated at approved EPA permitted facilities. Other options include treatment of liquids at approved wastewater treatment facilities and disposal of solids in landfills. Most batteries, paints, used oil, elemental lead, and mercury is taken to recycling facilities.

Dry and liquid wastes with a half-life less than 14.3 days are held for decay and disposed of in the normal waste stream.

Scintillation fluid waste is incinerated; contamination-free lead can be recycled; some radioactive material can be disposed of in the sanitary sewer, with approval of the Radiation Safety Officer.

Most bio-hazardous waste is treated in a steam sterilizer and then buried in an appropriate landfill, while some pathological waste and infected animals are incinerated.