Empty Container Disposal
Empty Chemical Container Disposal Requirements
There have been incidents at Purdue University involving the improper disposal of empty chemical containers that resulted in bodily injury as well as trash fires. In two other incidents, residual amounts of chemicals from separate containers reacted inside the truck’s compactor and started fires.
Please remember that although chemical residues may be non-hazardous by themselves, they may mix with incompatible residues in a trash can or dumpster causing fire. In addition, sealed containers may become pressurized during compaction, which may result in residues spraying from the truck onto workers.
Disposal Requirements and Procedures
The procedure for the disposal of empty containers at Purdue is more stringent than State and Federal Regulation. This procedure is designed to better protect Purdue facilities and staff when removing trash. Detailed empty chemical container labeling and disposal procedures can be found in the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Hazardous Waste Disposal Guidelines (pdf) and Chemical Hygiene Plan (pdf). The following summary of disposal procedures can be referenced when disposing of empty containers:
- Triple rinse empty containers with a solvent capable of removing the original material.
- It may be necessary to collect the reinstate for disposal through EHS’s hazardous materials program depending on original contents and the solvent used for rinsing.
- Identify triple-rinsed, dry, odorless and empty containers as “SAFE FOR DISPOSAL” using a label available from EHS (see example of a “Safe for Disposal” label) or by defacing the original label.
- Remove any cap that may cause the container to become pressurized when compacting.
- Arrange removal of these containers with the Building Services staff in your area.
- Alternately, transport these containers yourself to the designated area beside the dumpster outside your building.
- If you are unable to remove residual hazardous materials from containers, submit these to EHS for pickup using the “Hazardous Material Pickup Request” form.
- Please keep in mind that a material may be non-hazardous by itself, but may react with other materials in the dumpster or compactor.
Contact
Contact EHS’s Hazardous Materials Management team at hazwaste@purdue.edu with any questions you may have.