Solid Waste Containers

REHS provides containers for solid waste upon request. You may use other containers if they meet the following conditions.
REHS provides: 55 gallon drum, 30 gallon drum

Alternative containers:

  • Rigid container of plastic or metal
  • Double lined
  • Tight fitting lid or cover

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Solid Waste Container Management

Acceptable Items:

  • Gloves
  • Plastics
  • Paper towels, padding
  • Pipette tips
  • Filters
  • Other dry solid non-hazardous material

Prohibited Materials*

  • Lead
  • Biohazard materials
  • Biohazard bags
  • Sharps / syringes
  • Free standing liquids
  • Liquid scintillation vials

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*Refer to the special disposal procedures - contact REHS for guidance.

Liquid Waste Containers

Container Types: REHS provides containers for liquid waste upon request. You may use other containers if they meet the following conditions - but bear in mind the containers will not be returned to you.

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REHS Provides: 2.5 gallon carboy. 1 gallon carboy
Alternative containers: Plastic with a screw cap lid, with no other labels or markings and you don't want it back.

Managing Liquid Waste

Proper management of waste containers helps create a safer lab environment while mismanagement of waste containers can result in spills, personnel exposure and expensive or even un-disposable wastes.

General Rules:

  • Drain disposal is prohibited
  • Keep level below fill line
  • Secondary containment is mandatory
  • Keep lids on when not filling

Avoiding Mixed Waste:

  • Neutralize the pH to between 6 - 9 as the last step in protocol
  • Avoid generating liquids with:
    • Ow flash point <140F
    • Metals
    • Pesticides
    • Reactive, explosive or pyrophoric material

Funnel Use:

  • Funnels may be used but must be removed and container capped when not being filled
  • REHS has allowed use of funnel systems with attached lids that fit tightly
  • Pre-approval by REHS is required prior to use

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Liquid Scintillation Waste

REHS provides containers upon request. You may use other containers if they meet the following conditions.
REHS provides: 30 gallon, 55 gallon

Alternative containers:

  • Rigid container - plastic or metal, gallon volume
  • Double lined
  • Small quantities can be left in trays or double bagged and boxed

Managing LSV Waste General Rules:

  • Use non-hazardous cocktails
  • Aim to keep activities < 0.5 uCi/g
  • Securely fasten vial caps
  • Indicate cocktail brand on Yellow Waste Card (section III)

Activity Limits: H-3 & C-14 Average activities must be: < 1 mCi/ 30 gallon drum, 2 mCi /50 gallon drum

Managing Biological/Animal Waste

General Rules:

  • Animal use must be pre approved by RSC
  • Ensure adequate freezer space - REHS cannot provide storage
  • Carcasses must remain frozen
  • Attempt to keep 3H, 14C concentrations <0.05 uCi/g

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Contact

Please direct all questions to hazwaste@rutgers.edu or call (848) 445-2550.