Chemical, Biological Waste and Environmental Policy

Purpose. Controls the storage, segregation and disposal of chemical and biological waste and the laboratory's environmental obligations under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (New South Wales).

1.Scope

This policy covers all waste generated by testing, including acid digests, solvent waste, heavy metal solutions, spent culture media, sharps, sample residues and contaminated packaging, plus retained samples reaching the end of their retention period. It applies at all sites and in field vehicles.

2.Segregation

Waste must be segregated at the bench into the labelled containers provided: halogenated solvents, non-halogenated solvents, acidic aqueous waste, heavy metal waste, biological waste for autoclaving, sharps and general waste. Containers must be closed when not in use, kept in bunded trays and never filled above the line marked on the container. Incompatible wastes must never be mixed.

• Halogenated and non-halogenated solvents kept separate
• Acid and alkali waste kept separate
• Heavy metal solutions to the metals drum only
• Biological waste autoclaved before disposal
• Sharps to rigid puncture-resistant containers

3.Disposal

Chemical waste must be collected by the licensed waste contractor at least monthly and the consignment documents retained for seven years. Biological waste must be autoclaved on a validated cycle before it leaves the microbiology suite. Nothing other than neutral, non-hazardous rinse water may enter the sewer under the trade waste agreement, and nothing may enter the stormwater system.

4.Retained samples

Samples are retained for the period stated in the method or the client agreement, then disposed of according to their hazard. Contaminated soils and sediments are returned to the client or disposed of as regulated waste. Retention and disposal dates are recorded in the sample register.

5.Spills and releases

Spill kits are located in every laboratory and vehicle. Spills must be contained and cleaned up by trained staff using the spill procedure and reported on the incident and hazard report form. Any release to the environment must be reported to the Quality Manager immediately, who will decide whether notification to the environment regulator is required.

6.Resource use

The laboratory will monitor electricity, water and solvent use and set reduction targets at management review. Fume cupboard sashes must be lowered when not in use and instruments placed in standby overnight where the method allows.