Chemical Waste Disposal

May 2021

The purpose of this information sheet is to provide guidance to workers on the safe disposal of hazardous chemical waste in accordance with the requirements of:

• Environmental Protection Act (1970)
• Australian Standard AS/NZS 2243.2- Safety in Laboratories Part 2:Chemical aspects (2006)
• Using Chemicals Procedure.

Heads of academic/administrative units and supervisory staff have a particular responsibility for ensuring that all persons who generate chemical waste dispose of it appropriately. This includes the development of waste disposal procedures, communicating local requirements to staff and students and ensuring that appropriate training is provided. The local safety officer can also provide specific advice on safe disposal of chemical waste.

1. Types of chemical waste

Chemical waste is treated according to its physical and chemical properties therefore segregation of waste products is crucial. The mixing of incompatible materials in waste streams can result in unwanted reactions, such as the production of toxic gases or explosions and risk the lives of everyone in the area.

In some instances, it may not be possible to dispose of the waste through waste contractors, as they may not have the relevant licence or treatment facilities. In this instance, the waste generator must investigate alternative methods of disposal and if it is not possible to dispose of appropriately, the activity should not be performed.

It is the responsibility of the person performing the activity to include chemical waste disposal in risk assessments and produce procedures for disposal prior to conducting the experimental work.

2. Waste disposal methods

The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) must be consulted for appropriate disposal methods when conducting the risk assessment for any work that involves the use of chemicals.

2.1 Licensed contractor

The preferred method of chemical waste disposal is to use an EPA licensed waste contractor via the Monash Stores. This ensures that waste is disposed of in a safe and environmentally responsible way. Waste must be properly labelled, stored in a suitable container, and housed appropriately until collection. Arrangements must be in place for waste to be collected regularly by the licensed waste contractor for appropriate off-site treatment.

2.2 Treating waste at source/waste to sewer

In some instances chemical waste may be treated in-house, but only if the material(s) convert to a non-hazardous product. Under no circumstances should hazardous waste be allowed to enter drains or be disposed of down the sink. Dilution is not an acceptable alternative to appropriate disposal.

3. Labelling

All chemical waste containers must be labelled clearly labelled to accurately identify their contents. These labels are available at your chemical store or are linked from this document and can be printed on Avery templates. The following details must be included on the waste label prior to the chemical waste being taken to your local Stores:

• name of person responsible for the waste and contact details:
  • phone number
  • laboratory
• description of waste details (including estimates of concentration where possible)
• date of generation

4. Waste classification

Chemical waste streams at Monash align with the broad categories under the Dangerous Goods (DG) classification. These specific waste streams are set up to account for any incompatibilities between some of the DG classes. E.g. acids and alkaline materials. Some frequently generated waste streams are listed below. However, these only cover the most common incompatibilities.

Chemical waste can be disposed of by Cleanaway via your Monash Stores. For further advice on classifying, safe handling and collection, contact your safety officer, supervisor or Cleanaway directly on 1300 66 77 87.

All labels can be printed out on Avery Labels.

5. Further information

For further information, contact your local OH&S consultant/adviser or Occupational Health and Safety:

• Telephone: 990 51016
• Email: ohshelpline@monash.edu