Minimization

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) requires generators of Hazardous Waste to implement a waste minimization plan. The relevance of waste minimization program is to reduce toxicity and quantity of waste which ultimately reduce liability and cost of Hazardous Waste management.

Hazardous Waste minimization program initiated at Hartwick College include:
• Substituting non-hazardous chemicals or less toxic materials into experiments whenever
possible.
• Redistribution of unwanted chemicals within laboratories.
• Purchasing only quantities of chemicals required for specific projects.
• Modify experiments to decrease quantity of Hazardous Waste generated.
• Hazardous Waste characterization and segregation.
• Deactivation of chemicals e.g. Ethidium Bromide via Household Bleach.
• Neutralization of dilute acid or base.

Management

Satellite Accumulation Area (SAA) is the name given to the location where hazardous wastes are generated and stored before being moved to central accumulation location.

Satellite Accumulation Area (SAA) guidelines:
• Hazardous Waste (HW) should be stored at or near the point of generation i.e., in the same room.
• Hazardous Waste containers should not be moved from one room to another unless the container is moved to the central accumulation area.
• Hazardous Waste Satellite Accumulation Area signage should be posted at the point where the waste is stored.
• Waste containers must be chemically compatible with the container. Waste container must be in good condition and lids intact.
• Containers must be kept closed except when adding waste.
• Do not leave a funnel in the bottle.
• The container should be labeled with the words Hazardous Waste and contents of the waste.
• Store hazardous waste in secondary containment.
• Deface original container labels.
• Segregate the waste by chemical hazards.