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General Labeling & Packaging Procedures

Collect small volumes of process waste in your own containers. Collect larger volumes in 5-gallon cans. Collect solid waste e.g., contaminated gloves, glassware, paper, etc., in cardboard boxes lined with two plastic bags. Keep liquid and solid wastes separate.

Attach an MSU Materials Pick-up Tag (Appendix A) to each and every container of process waste. Tags are available from the ORCBS upon request. In the contents section of the tag, enter the volume and composition of all the waste as it is added to the container. For solutions, list the solute and solvent concentrations. (Include the amount of water present.) Be as accurate as possible in your description of wastes.

Date and label each container with the words “Hazardous Waste.” Containers supplied by the ORCBS are delivered with labels that have this wording. Small bottles of discarded chemical commercial products do not need to be labeled with the words “Hazardous Waste.”

Separate wastes into the different waste categories. That is, collect acids in a separate container from solvents etc.

Do NOT mix incompatible materials in the same container.

Do NOT put corrosive or reactive chemicals in metal cans.

For liquids, fill containers to about 90% of container volume. Do NOT fill containers to the top. Leave at least 2 inches of space in 5-gallon liquid waste containers to allow for liquid expansion and pumping. Make sure the caps on all cans and bottles have gaskets and are tightly secured before the pickup.

Specific Labeling & Packaging Procedures

Waste Disposal Guide Table of Contents