Hach DR/850, Procedures Manual, Page: 60 / 460

60
WASTE MANAGEMENT AND SAFETY
, continued
Use the chemical composition data to decide if a material is toxic. This
decision is based on the concentration of certain contaminants (heavy
metals and a number of organic compounds). If the waste is a liquid,
compare the concentration of the contaminants in the liquid to the
concentrations listed in 40 CFR 261.24. If the waste is a solid, analyze the
sample by the Toxicity Characteristic Leachability Procedure (TCLP) and
compare the results to the concentration listed in the 40 CFR 261.24.
Levels above the threshold amount listed in the table are hazardous.
See “Sections of the MSDS” on page 63. describing the MSDS for help in
finding information for making hazardous waste determinations.
Examples of Hazardous Waste
A number of chemicals used in and final solutions created from Hach
procedures are hazardous wastes when they are disposed. In addition,
substances in the sample matrix may be a hazardous waste. Sometimes,
reagents which would be hazardous are neutralized or changed during the
analytical procedure. In that case, the final solutions are not regulated.
Finally, many reagents and final solutions may be non-regulated. The
generator must either use their knowledge of the materials used or conduct
analytical tests to determine if the final material is a hazardous waste.
Examples of tests using Hach reagents that generate hazardous waste
include those containing mercury or mercury compounds such as COD
tests or Nessler’s reagent. Conversely, a test using Hach reagents such as
ManVer 2 Hardness Indicator Powder Pillows and EDTA Titration
Cartridges do not produce a hazardous waste unless the sample contains a
hazardous substance.
Hazardous Waste Disposal
Hazardous waste must be managed and disposed of according to federal,
state, and local regulations. The waste generator is responsible for making
hazardous waste determinations. Analysts should check with the facility’s
environmental compliance people for specific instructions.
Hazardous wastes should be handled by treatment, storage, and disposal
facilities (TSDF) that have USEPA permits. In some cases, the generator
may treat the hazardous waste. In most cases, a permit from the USEPA is
required to treat hazardous waste. Laboratories are not exempt from these
regulations. If your facility is a “Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity
Generator,” special rules may apply. Check 40 CFR 261 to determine if
have to comply with all the laws.
The most common allowed treatment is elementary neutralization. This
refers to neutralizing wastes that are hazardous only because they are
corrosive or are listed only for that reason. Neutralize acidic solutions by
adding a base such as sodium hydroxide; neutralize basic solutions by