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
  
  

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
  
  

*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.

 

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
  
    

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

Contact

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