1 Microscale Chemistry
Work with smaller quantities of materials.
2 Do NOT Buy Bulk Chemicals
Buy only what is needed for the expirement and can otherwise be used, as disposing of hazardous chemicals can cost MORE than purchasing new ones.
3 Chemical Exchange
Notify your materials handler if you have excess chemicals which can be used by someone else.
4 ISU's ChemSwap Program
This is an internet based program developed by TSO that allows transfer of chemicals between departments.
5 Label All Containers
An unlabeled container in a lab full of chemicals is considered to be a hazardous waste until tested and proven otherwise. Testing unknown chemicals is VERY expensive.
6 Project Planning
Plan ahead for the amounts of chemicals needed in an experiment. Do not guess on an order.
7 Do NOT Accept Donated or Free Material
Donation is a scheme to get rid of hazardous waste without having to pay for disposal...DO NOT accept any donated or free material as the University may have to pick up the disposal costs if the material is not used.
8 Team vs. Individual Experiments
Allow students to work in pairs instead of on their own. This cuts waste generation in half.
9 Instructor Demonstrations
Sometimes a point can easily be made by an instructor demonstration rather than individual experiments.
10 Alternative Materials
In some circumstances, there are alternative materials or methods to carry out a procedure that results in less hazardous waste than others. These methods should be used whenever possible to minimize the volume (and costs) of disposal at ISU. Please take time to plan waste minimization activities by careful consideration of alternative methods of achieveing the same result.
11 The Final Steps
According to interpretations of federal regulations, it is permissible to minimize waste by steps that are part of the actual process. These steps must be documented (written) as part of the procedure for an experiment and represents an important way to minimize the amount of hazardous waste generated. TSO personnel can provide information to assist in these efforts.
12 Dispose of Hazardous Waste When it is Generated
Do not stockpile waste! Once you no longer have a need for a hazardous chemical, label it as hazardous waste and allow TSO to dispose of it. Your waste may turn out to be the material which moves ISU from a small quantity generator to a large quantity generator. DO NOT LET THIS HAPPEN!
For more information about hazardous waste reduction techniques
and/or pollution prevention see: LABSCENTRAL