DISPOSAL OF HAZARDOUS WASTES

FROM MATERIALS LABORATORIES


 

GENERAL

 

This Instructional Memorandum details disposal procedures for hazardous wastes that are generated within Districts and Central Materials Laboratories. It is essential that disposal of hazardous wastes be done in compliance with all state and federal regulations using the following procedures. NOTE: under no circumstances should halogenated (chlorinated, brominated) waste be poured down a drain.

 

 

EMERGENCY COORDINATOR

 

Each laboratory shall designate an emergency coordinator, and an alternate, one of which will be available to respond to an emergency. The emergency coordinator or alternate shall be responsible for coordinating emergency response measures for such things as fires, explosions, leaks and spills.

 

The following information shall be posted in each laboratory:

 

1.         Name and telephone number of emergency coordinator and the alternate

2.         Location of fire extinguishers

3.         Location of spill control materials

4.         Telephone number of the fire department

 

Posters with blanks for the above information are available from the Central Materials Laboratory.

 

 

DETERMINATION OF HAZARDOUS WASTES

 

Wastes generated are classified as hazardous wastes if they are specifically listed or meet other criteria as outlined in 40 CFR Part 261. The following are hazardous wastes which could be generated by our laboratories:

 

1.   Waste Trichloroethylene - This is the asphalt and Trichloroethylene mixture resulting from reflux extractions and viscosity tube cleaning or other miscellaneous cleaning purposes.

 

2.   Waste Petroleum Naphtha - This is the parts cleaning solution that is used in the parts washers.

 

 

GENERATOR REQUIREMENTS

 

1.   Storage Containers - All hazardous wastes shall be accumulated in new drums. The drums shall meet specifications for U.S. DOT 17H drums. Drums are available at the Central Warehouse as stock number 004-444950.

 

2.   Labeling - Labels for drums may be procured from the Central Warehouse or by contacting the Location and Environment Bureau at 515-239-1741. Any waste placed in a drum should have a waste label affixed when waste is first placed in the container. The label should identify the contents of the drum and be in a position to be easily seen. Labeling for the parts washer fluid is taken care of by the company servicing the washers.

 

3.   Positioning & Filling - Storage container(s) should be arranged so there is a clear, unobstructed space between them so that inspection for leakage and spillage can be readily accomplished. Storage containers should be sealed except when filling is taking place. Do not leave containers open all day for intermittent filling.

 

4.   Full Storage Containers - When the storage container is full, contact the Location and Environment Bureau at 515-239-1741 for removal to waste storage area or to schedule pick-up. Full containers may be stored temporarily inside the laboratory. Each laboratory should consider the health and safety of its employees and the public and provide the security necessary to protect against spills or leakage.

 

5.   Documentation - If drum pickup is scheduled at a District Laboratory the emergency coordinator or the alternate should sign the manifest. A copy will be left at the facility and should be filed at the facility for a period of three years. The top page of the manifest will be returned to the District Laboratory after the waste has been delivered to a designated disposal facility. Manifests should be returned in approximately 30 days.

 

After the manifest copy is returned, either the original or a copy of the original can be sent to the Location and Environment Bureau. The original copy should be filed and kept for a period of three years at either the Laboratory or by the Location and Environment Bureau.

 

For the Central Laboratory, remove drums to the waste storage facility for pickup.  The waste storage facility is located south of 4th Street at the Iowa DOT Main Complex. Pick-up and paperwork will be handled by the Location and Environment Bureau.