Hazardous Waste Disposal
Hazardous Waste Disposal - Related Videos
04:28
Proper Waste Disposal
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2023
Robert M. Rioux and Taslima A. Zaman, Pennsylvania State University, Pennsylvania, PA Users are responsible for the proper disposal of the waste generated during their work. Improper waste disposal may severely endanger public health and/or the environment. The handling of hazardous waste must be regulated from the moment of generation until its disposal at its offsite final destination facility. A waste management system must be devised before work begins on any laboratory activity. Users...
08:40
Chemical Storage: Categories, Hazards And Compatibilities
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2023
Source: Robert M. Rioux & Taslima A. Zaman, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA While the use of various chemicals in experimental research is essential, it is also important to safely store and maintain them as a part of the Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) program. The properties of chemicals and their reactivity vary broadly and if chemicals are not managed, stored, and labeled properly, they can have harmful or even destructive consequences such as toxic fume...
10:21
Microfluidic Applications for Disposable Diagnostics
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Cited by 1 •
2008
In this interview, Dr. Klapperich discusses the fabrication of thermoplastic microfluidic devices and their application for development of new diagnostics.
04:22
Disposable Dosators for Pulmonary Insufflation of Therapeutic Agents to Small Animals
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Cited by 10 •
2017
During development of drugs for pulmonary delivery, it is necessary to evaluate pharmacokinetics and efficacy in an animal model. We present a method to build a disposable aerosol dispersion system from of-the-shelf components that can be used to administer intrapulmonary dry powder aerosol to rodents.
01:15
Disposing of Accounts Receivable
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2025
Disposing of accounts receivable refers to the process of removing unpaid invoices from a company’s books, either by selling them or writing them off. This is a critical part of managing working capital and ensuring accurate financial reporting.One common approach is factoring, where a company sells its receivables to a third party at a discount. The buyer, known as a factor, provides immediate cash but keeps a portion of the receivable as a fee. While this results in a financial loss, it...
FAQs
Segregation keeps infectious agents, toxic chemicals, sharps, and contaminated specimens in waste streams suited to their different risks. It prevents incompatible materials from being combined and helps personnel select suitable containers and treatment methods. In biological laboratories, this separation supports safer handling, reduces exposure opportunities, and limits the chance that hazardous material will be released during transport or final disposal.
Container choice and labeling provide two forms of control: compatibility helps contain the material safely, while labels communicate the waste category to personnel handling it later. Together, they preserve the connection between a waste material and its required treatment. This information supports consistent laboratory practice and reduces errors that could expose workers, organisms, or the environment.
Treatment must correspond to the hazard being controlled rather than follow one universal procedure. Biological laboratories may apply disinfection or decontamination to appropriate materials, while some waste requires regulated incineration before removal. Matching the process to the waste type helps address infectious or contaminating risks effectively and supports safe progression from laboratory handling to final disposal.
Controlled handling reduces the likelihood that hazardous materials will escape into environmental pathways. Segregated collection, compatible labeled containers, and suitable treatment help contain infectious agents, toxic chemicals, sharps, and contaminated specimens before final removal. These controls are important because preventing release into soil and water protects organisms and limits broader environmental consequences of biological research.
A laboratory workflow begins by identifying the hazard and separating it from other waste streams. Personnel then place the material in a compatible, labeled container and apply an appropriate treatment, such as disinfection, decontamination, or regulated incineration. After treatment, the waste proceeds to final disposal under applicable environmental and institutional requirements.
It is essential whenever laboratory activities generate infectious agents, toxic chemicals, sharps, or contaminated specimens. Applying the process consistently reduces exposure risks for personnel and helps prevent environmental release. It also supports biosafety, public health protection, and compliance with environmental and institutional regulations, making disposal a necessary part of responsible biological research rather than an isolated cleanup task.