Managing Containers Previously Holding Hazardous Materials

  • by Alyssa M. Hua, Laboratory Safety Supervisor

While it is tempting to reuse manufacturer containers once you have depleted the hazardous material inside, it is important to understand and follow proper regulatory requirements for managing your “empty” containers.  If the material previously in your container was acutely hazardous (AH) or extremely hazardous (EH), the container must be tagged for hazardous waste disposal. For containers that previously held non-AH or non-EH, you may choose to rinse your container and collect the rinsate for proper disposal.

State and federal regulations prohibit treatment of hazardous waste including methods, techniques, or processes designed to reduce the volume of material.  Additionally, fume hoods are not designed to be used in the evaporation of hazardous materials/waste as that may release hazardous materials into the environment.  

  • SafetyNet #124 provides further information and regulatory requirements on managing your empty containers
  • SafetyNet #35 states that hazardous waste is not to be evaporated in a fume hood

If you have any questions, please email [email protected].