Hazardous waste from laboratories UNS50 and UNS40

1. Classification of hazardous waste streams
2. Chemical liquids
3. Packaging of chemicals
4. Sharps (with and without contamination)
5. Biologically and/or chemically contaminated waste
6. Laboratory glass
7. Other chemical waste

We distinguish between the following hazardous waste streams within the FHML laboratories:

• Chemical liquids
• Packaging of chemicals:
  • Empty packaging
  • Residual chemicals in original packaging
• Laboratory glassware
• Sharps: Needles, scalpels and other small sharp objects
• Biologically and/or chemically contaminated materials:
  • Non-GMO waste
  • GMO waste
• Radioactive waste
  Instructions for the classification, collection, storage and transfer of radioactive waste are laid down in the procedures of the Radiation Protection Unit (Dutch abbreviation: SBE).
• Waste from research involving laboratory animals
  Employees who work with laboratory animals receive specific instructions on this subject. For instructions on waste from research involving laboratory animals, including animal by-products and bedding material, please contact the CPV. In the case of laboratory animal research involving GMOs or pathogens, the instructions can be found on the HSB website. 

Liquid chemical waste is produced during laboratory research and usually consists of mixtures of various substances with water and/or organic solvents. For the purposes of safe and responsible storage, transport and processing of these waste materials, they are classified into the categories below. For detailed information scroll down.

• Sewer-safe waste: liquids that can be safely discharched into the sink according to the guideline discharges.
• Acidic waste: E.g. HCl, CH₂O₂, H₂SO₄. No HNO₃: highly reactive.
• Flammable waste: E.g. alcohols, acetone. No halogens or heavy metals.
• Deviant liquids: These are collected separately because of harzardous reactivity, environmental impact or large quantities:
  • Hazardous reactive solutions: Keep each in a separate jerrycan; e.g. bases, HNO₃, peroxides
  • Organic halogen compounds: organic substances with Cl, F, Br, I.
    E.g. chloroform, dichloromethane.
  • Formaline: Aqueous solutions of (para)formaldehyde (in case of large quantities)
  • Department-specific waste

Potentially infectious waste must not be disposed of as chemical liquid waste. 

Specific requirements apply to the packaging, labelling, storage and presentation of chemical laboratory waste; please refer to the guidelines for more information. 

2.1 Sewer-safe waste: Guideline discharges

The guideline discharges can be downloaded on UMployee.

The discharge of hazardous substances into the sewage system should be avoided as much as possible. These substances can lead to contamination of surface water and damage to the sewage system. Therefore, all liquid and solid wastes are collected from laboratories and transported to authorised waste processors. An exception is made for substances that are not harmful, occur only in low concentrations and where the environmental impact of discharge is lower than transport and waste processing. These exceptions are described in the green column.

2.2 Liquid chemical waste: Acids (in water)

Examples: hydrochloric acid (HCl), formic acid (CH₂O₂), sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄) in water
No nitric acid (HNO₃) due to reactivity.

Permitted:

• Organic and inorganic acids in water (>70% water)
• The following heavy metals: Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, V
• The following halogens: Chlorine, Fluorine, Bromine
• Acidic mixtures with organic solvents, like ethanol (<20% solvents)

Excluded substances (not permitted):

• Nitric acid (HNO₃)
• Bases
• Mercury (Hg)
• Picric acid in which crystallisation occurs. Please report these to info-hsb@maastrichtuniversity.nl

2.3 Liquid chemical waste: Flammable liquids

Examples: alcohols, acetone, acetonitrile, xylene, hexane

Excluded substances (not permitted):

• Organic halogen compounds (e.g. chloroform, dichloromethane)
• Solutions containing halogens (chlorine, fluorine, bromine, iodine)
• Heavy metals (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, Te, Ti, V, Zn)

2.4 Deviant liquids: Hazardous reactive solutions 

The most common examples: 

• Bases
• Nitric acid
• Peroxides
• Perchloric acid

Put each of these types in a separate jerrycan to prevent dangerous reactions.

2.5 Deviant liquids: Organic halogen compounds

The most common examples: chloroform, dichloromethane, trichloroethylene

Due to environmental requirements for processing, organic components containing halogens are kept separate. Halogens are chlorine (Cl), fluorine (F), bromine (Br) and iodine (I). Common examples are chloroform and dichloromethane.

2.6 Deviant liquids: Heavy metals

In connection with environmental requirements for processing, flammable liquids with heavy metals are kept separate. The most comon heavy metals are: As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, Te, Ti, V, Zn. Consult Servicepoint-FSin case of large quantities with low concentrations. 

Liquids containing mercury compounds (Hg) are always collected separately.

2.7 Deviant liquids: Formaline/Formaldehyde

Aqueous (>75% water) solutions containing less than 25% (para)formaldehyde.

In the case of larger quantities (ca. > 5 litres per year) formalin (formaldehyde solution) is collected as a separate waste stream. Small quantities may also be disposed of as flammable.

2.8 Deviant liquids: Department-specific waste

In the case of specific liquid waste,  that is released in larger quantities and for longer periods, it may be advisable to make separate arrangements. Request advice via Servicepoint-FS.

2.9 Instructions for packaging and storing liquid chemical waste

Laboratory staff are responsible for disposing of their hazardous waste correctly. Below are the most important instructions for disposing of and processing liquid chemical waste in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.

2.9.1 Jerrycans with valid UN mark

Plastic jerrycans with valid UN mark are used for liquid chemical laboratory waste. The standard size is 5 litres. In the context of waste reduction and cost savings, it is desirable to reuse empty ethanol jerrycans for liquid chemical waste. A number of conditions apply to this; see the instructions in the next paragraph.

In the case of large amounts of waste, 10-litre jerrycans can also be used. For other liquids in small quantities, 2.5-litre jerrycans are available. All jerrycans have a UN mark with a production date and the letter X or Y (no Z). When handed over to the waste collector, the jerrycans may not be older than 5 years and therefore, when handed over to the hazardous waste employee, they may not be older than approximately 4.5 years.

2.9.2 Instructions for reusing empty jerrycans (ethanol)

The following instructions apply to the use of empty ethanol jerrycans:

• Prevent dangerous reactions between ethanol residues and reactive substances such as peroxides, nitric acid and perchlorate.
• We only use empty plastic ethanol jerrycans with their original caps.
• The SOFOS360 stickers from empty jerrycans must be placed in the red bin for empty packaging so that they can be scanned.
• Only use jerrycans with a valid UN mark that are no more than 3 years old. So in the year 2026, the production year of the jerrycan must be 2023 or newer. The photo below shows the UN mark with the last digits indicating the production year.
• The product sticker must be removed or covered so that it is no longer visible.
• The large hazard label for flammable substances (a flame with the number 3) must be removed. The sticker may remain in place for jerrycans with ‘flammable’ waste.
• The sticker for the desired waste category is affixed to the waste container. The stickers are available from the logistics employee responsible for hazardous waste.

The image below shows a UN mark with the code 3H1/Y1.9/180/21. The number 21 indicates the year of manufacture, 2021.

2.9.3 Labelling the jerrycans

The hazardous waste logistics employee also supplies the labels for the various categories of liquid chemical waste with the new jerrycans. If the classification is no longer correct, the laboratory employee must provide the correct label. The labels can be obtained from the hazardous waste logistics employees via afval@mumc.nl. The laboratory staff mark and/or write the composition of the waste on the label.

2.9.4 Filling the jerrycans

The maximum fill level per container is 90%. In any case, this must not exceed the thickened upper edge of the jerrycan.

Upon delivery, the temperature must not exceed room temperature. If a reaction still occurs in the jerrycan (e.g. gas or heat formation), the jerrycan must remain in the fume cupboard until the contents have reacted. Always consult your armico.

2.9.5 Prevent hazardous reactions

Mixing different substances can lead to hazardous reactions. Therefore, substances that can cause hazardous reactions, such as nitric acid and peroxides, are collected separately. 

For definitive information, consult the safety data sheets (MSDS). For examples of combinations that lead to dangerous reactions, see the document ‘Dangerous reactions of individual chemicals and between chemicals’ in the work instructions (UMployee).

Deliberate dilution of waste is not desirable, unless this is necessary for safety reasons, such as with piranha solution.

2.9.6 Storage of jerrycans

Liquid chemical laboratory waste must be stored in accordance with in the work instructions (UMployee) for storing hazardous substances . As a rule, liquid chemical waste must be stored in fireproof cabinets. Acids and bases may also be stored in an acid-base cabinet. 

2.9.7 Disposal of jerrycans

The departments of FHML are responsible for the safe delivery of their liquid chemical waste. Points to note for jerrycans are: valid UN mark, correctly completed label, clean exterior, closed caps. The jerry cans are collected weekly according to a fixed collection schedule. The collection schedule can be found in the work instructions (UMployee). 

For urgent cases or other logistical questions about the disposal of lab chemicals/residual chemicals and chemical waste, please contact Servicepoint-FS.

3.1 Empty chemical packaging

Empty chemical packaging are glass, plastic or metal containers that have been emptied by shaking or scraping and are free of residues (drip-free). Close the packaging with the original lid.

If the packaging contain residues, it must be reported for disposal as ´chemical residues in original packaging´, see next paragraph. As a rule, packaging should not be rinsed clean. A layer of hardened contamination is permitted. 

Empty ethanol jerrycans (5 litres) with a valid UN mark can be reused for liquid chemical waste. For detailed information, see the instructions. 

The empty packaging must be clean on the outside and presented with the original cap. The empty packaging is collected in the red crates. The hazardous waste employee scans the packaging from the SOFOS360 substance registration system and takes it away. When the red crate is full, this can be reported to Servicepoint-FS.

3.2 Chemical residues in original packaging

This waste stream consists of all chemical residues in original packaging remaining in a laboratory environment, as well as unused laboratory chemicals in small packaging. Disposal must be coordinated in advance and reported to Servicepoint-FS.

Chemical residues must be presented in their original packaging, including the original cap or lid and hazard label. The hazardous waste employee ensures that stocks are scanned out of the SOFOS360 substance registration system and transports the residues to the central storage facility. For larger quantities (≥ 5 packages), a packing list must be submitted in advance via Servicepoint-FS, stating the substance name, CAS-number (if applicable), and volume/mass according to the label for each package. The template of the packaging list (in Dutch) can be downloaded with this link.

Pending disposal, the chemicals must remain in the appropriate storage facility in the laboratory until a hazardous waste employee comes to scan and collect them.

Pending disposal, the chemicals must remain in the appropriate storage facility in the laboratory until a hazardous waste employee comes to scan and collect them.

Examples: Hypodermic needles, cut capillaries and scalpels. 

Sharps containers are used for sharp objects. Needles must never be disposed of (loose) in an SZA container. 

The following instructions apply to the use of sharps containers:

• Do not fill the container beyond the maximum fill line.
• When the needle container is full, attach the lid to the needle container and check that the lid and cup fit tightly all around.
• Do not shake the full container to create space.
• Never put a needle back into the needle cover (never recapping).
• Do not remove needles from syringes by hand.
• Use the notches in the lid to separate the needle and syringe.
• Keep the container upright during use.

Sharps containers from GMO laboratories (ML-I and ML-II) are collected by the logistics staff of the MUMC+. If the sharps container is full, an email should be sent to afval@mumc.nl (stating “ggo naalden container” and room number) with a request to collect it. 

Sharps containers from non-GMO laboratories can be handed in to the UM hazardous waste employee.

5.1 Regular specific hospital waste and GMO waste (SZA)

- Biologically contaminated waste is collected as specific hospital waste (Dutch abbreviation: SZA). For regular specific hospital waste, the blue SZA containers with yellow lids are used. 

- Yellow SZA containers with red lids are used in the GMO laboratories.

- In the blue and yellow containers belong the following wastes, including chemically contaminated wastes:

• Human tissues and organ parts;
• Organs and tissues of (laboratory) animals, provided that it complies with CPV procedures;
• Laboratory waste that is (potentially) bacterial, viral or fungal contaminated, such as pasteurized pipettes, object glasses, culture pipettes, culture bottles;
• Blood (products), plasma, serum;
• Cytostatics;
• Gels (ethidium bromide, agarose, polyacrylamide and the like).
• Pasteur pipettes, slides
• Sharp objects - except hypodermic needles -, such as cut capillaries, scalpels and blood tubes.
• Chemically contaminated waste, such as gloves, vials and ampoules.
  Original empty containers of chemicals are collected separately.
• Plastic microplates containing analytical chemicals (including RNA residues), such as 96 wells plates.
  Seal these with a sticker and add sufficient absorbents.

The following (potentially) infectious wastes are not allowed in the blue or yellow SZA containers:

• - Hypodermic needles. To minimise the risk of SZA incidents, these are collected separately in special sharps containers. Sealed sharps containers are allowed in the SZA containers, but are also collected separately.
• Free liquids. 
  Free liquids should be absorbed or packed in accordance with specific instructions.
• Packaged liquid > 1 litre
  Liquid should be packaged in units of up to 1 litre, with a maximum of 10% of the contents of the SZA container.

5.2 General instructions for Specific hospital waste (SZA): blue and yellow containers

Free liquids should never be deposited in the SZA container. This is necessary to prevent possible leakage in case of incidents with the vessel during transport. In the case of liquid waste without packaging, this must first be gelled or absorbed with sufficient absorbent material before being deposited in the jerry can, for example with paper or septodry. In the case of liquids in packaging, sufficient absorption material should be put at the bottom of the canister, for example septodry. Liquid-containing waste may be delivered in 1-litre containers and a maximum of 3 litres per 30-litre container and 5 litres per 50-litre container.

Disinfected liquids do not have to be disposed of as SZA. Please refer to the 'Work instruction for disinfecting laboratories' on the HSB website. 

Once a SZA container has been filled, it is permanently sealed with the yellow or red lid. The lid is fitted with an internal sealant edge, ensuring hermetic sealing. After fitting the lid, it is no longer possible to open it. Make sure the lid seals the container completely and tightly and is glued all around. 

The closed SZA vessels are collected from the UNS40 and UNS50 laboratories on a fixed schedule. The collection schedule can be found on UMployee.

When the SZA vessels are collected, the logistics officer delivers a new empty vessel. For questions regarding logistics, please contact Servicepoint-FS.

5.3 Additional instructions for GMO waste: yellow container with red lids

Additional instructions apply to GMO waste:

• After sealing the SZA container, disinfect the outside with a suitable disinfectant.
• After disinfecting the container, place a sticker on the lid stating: 1) your name, 2) the room number, 3) the GMO or IG number of the permit (IenW), 4) date of closing the container.
• Everything below the black line is filled in by the waste logistics staff, including the collection date in connection with the maximum storage time (1 week) outside the contained space.

For further instructions on storage, transport and autoclaving of GMO waste, see the 'Procedure for the safe handling of GMO’s' on website van HSB.

The following glass waste is allowed in the grey container for lab glass:

• Clean and empty lab glassware: keep whole and broken glass separated by means of the bulkhead in the bin.
• Empty glass jars without SOFOS sticker or GHS hazard symbols
• Flat glass (window glass).

Excluded:

• Empty jars with SOFOS sticker and/or GHS danger symbols: offer these via the red crates
• Household glass: for location see waste guide
• Pasteur pipettes and slides: deposit these in the SZA containers.

Other chemical waste includes:

• Mercury-containing products such as mercury thermometers and pH electrodes. 
  Report disposal via Servicepoint-FS.
• HEPA filters
  These are first disinfected by IDEE. 
  Report the disposal of disinfected filters via Servicepoint-FS.
• Waste from the VAS lab: Arrangements have been made with the VAS lab managers.

In case of a chemical waste not described above or if in doubt about the correct classification, contact the FS environmental and sustainability adviser.