ASTM D4447-84(1997)

Standard Guide for Disposal of Laboratory Chemicals and Samples

SCOPE
1.1 This guide is intended to provide the chemical laboratory manager with guidelines for the disposal of small quantities of laboratory wastes safely and in an environmentally sound manner. This guide is applicable to laboratories that generate small quantities of chemical or toxic wastes. Generally, such tasks include, but are not limited to, analytical chemistry, process control, and research or life science laboratories. It would be impossible to address the disposal of all waste from all types of laboratories. This guide is intended to address the more common laboratory waste streams.  
1.2 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of whoever uses this standard to consult and establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-Oct-1997
• Technical Committee: D34 - Waste Management
• Drafting Committee: D34.01 - Monitoring and Characterization

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM D4447-84(2003) - Standard Guide for Disposal of Laboratory Chemicals and Samples
• Effective Date: 10-Mar-2003
• Referred By: ASTM E2591-22 - Standard Guide for Conducting Whole Sediment Toxicity Tests with Amphibians
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-1997
• Referred By: ASTM D5864-18 - Standard Test Method for Determining Aerobic Aquatic Biodegradation of Lubricants or Their Components
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-1997
• Referred By: ASTM E2172-22 - Standard Guide for Conducting Laboratory Soil Toxicity Tests with the Nematode <emph type="ital"> Caenorhabditis elegans</emph>
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-1997
• Referred By: ASTM E2122-22 - Standard Guide for Conducting In-situ Field Bioassays With Caged Bivalves
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-1997
• Referred By: ASTM D3856-11(2015) - Standard Guide for Management Systems in Laboratories Engaged in Analysis of Water (Withdrawn 2024)
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-1997
• Referred By: ASTM E1367-03(2023) - Standard Test Method for Measuring the Toxicity of Sediment-Associated Contaminants with Estuarine and Marine Invertebrates
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-1997
• Referred By: ASTM E1192-23 - Standard Guide for Conducting Acute Toxicity Tests on Aqueous Ambient Samples and Effluents with Fishes, Macroinvertebrates, and Amphibians
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-1997
• Referred By: ASTM E1218-21 - Standard Guide for Conducting Static Toxicity Tests with Microalgae
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-1997
• Referred By: ASTM E1611-21 - Standard Guide for Conducting Sediment Toxicity Tests with Polychaetous Annelids
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-1997
• Referred By: ASTM E1963-22 - Standard Guide for Conducting Terrestrial Plant Toxicity Tests
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-1997
• Referred By: ASTM D6731-22 - Standard Test Method for<!--ask about discussion in biodegradation def (keep?)--> Determining the Aerobic, Aquatic Biodegradability of Lubricants or Lubricant Components in a Closed Respirometer
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-1997
• Referred By: ASTM E2455-22 - Standard Guide for Conducting Laboratory Toxicity Tests with Freshwater Mussels
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-1997
• Referred By: ASTM E1525-02(2023) - Standard Guide for Designing Biological Tests with Sediments
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-1997
• Referred By: ASTM E1562-22 - Standard Guide for Conducting Acute, Chronic, and Life-Cycle Aquatic Toxicity Tests with Polychaetous Annelids
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-1997

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: D 4447 – 84 (Reapproved 1997)
Standard Guide for
Disposal of Laboratory Chemicals and Samples
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 4447; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope chemical name and by Department of Transportation (DOT)
guidelines.
1.1 This guide is intended to provide the chemical labora-
3.2 Various types of wastes are listed and defined in a
tory manager with guidelines for the disposal of small quanti-
manner necessary to segregate them for recovery, pretreatment,
ties of laboratory wastes safely and in an environmentally
or disposal, or both.
sound manner. This guide is applicable to laboratories that
3.3 Procedures are not for recovery of the materials, or to
generate small quantities of chemical or toxic wastes. Gener-
render them nonhazardous and amenable to municipal landfill
ally, such tasks include, but are not limited to, analytical
or in-house disposal, or to prepare them for disposal in an
chemistry, process control, and research or life science labo-
authorized chemical waste disposal site.
ratories. It would be impossible to address the disposal of all
3.4 Various methods of disposal are discussed.
waste from all types of laboratories. This guide is intended to
3.5 Each type of waste is designated a specific recovery or
address the more common laboratory waste streams.
pretreatment and disposal method. In most cases, disposal
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
alternatives are offered.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4. Significance and Use
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
4.1 Laboratories rarely generate or handle large volumes of
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
hazardous substances. However, the safe handling and disposal
2. Referenced Documents of these substances are impaired by diversity, toxicity, high
hazard risks, and contemptuous familiarity. With the promul-
2.1 Department of Transportation Regulations:
gation of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
40 CFR 173 Shippers—General Requirements for Ship-
(RCRA) of 1976, more attention is being given to the proper
ments and Packagings
handling and disposal of such materials. Laboratory manage-
40 CFR 178 Shipping Container Specifications
ment should designate an individual who will be responsible
40 CFR 179 Specifications for Tank Cars
for waste disposal and must review the RCRA guidelines, in
40 CFR 261.3 Definition of Hazardous Waste
particular, the definition of a hazardous waste, the specific
40 CFR 261.33 Discarded Commercial Chemical Products,
substances listed as hazardous, generator requirements and
Off-Specifications Species, Container Residues, and Resi-
exclusions, and proper shipping and manifesting procedures.
dues Thereof
Because many laboratory employees could be involved in the
40 CFR 261.5 Special Requirements for Hazardous Waste
2 proper (and improper) treatment and disposal of laboratory
Generated by Small Quantity Generators
chemicals and samples, it is suggested that a safety and training
40 CFR 761 Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Manufac-
program be designed and presented to all regarding procedures
turing, Processing, Distribution in Commerce, and Use
to follow in the treatment and disposal of designated laboratory
Prohibitions
wastes.
49 CFR 172 Hazardous Materials Tables and Hazardous
4.2 If practical and economically feasible, it is, of course,
Materials Communications Regulations
recommended that all laboratory waste be either recovered,
3. Summary of Guide
re-used, or disposed of in-house. The disposal of laboratory
samples, especially those received in large numbers or quan-
3.1 The necessary classification of the waste for shipping
tities from a specific source, can often be accommodated by
and manifesting is addressed both by their common or generic
returning the material to the originator, so he can combine them
with larger quantities for recycling or disposal. However,
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D34 on Waste
should this not be the case, other alternatives are presented.
Management and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D34.01.01 on
Planning for Sampling. This guide is intended only as a suggested organized method
Current edition approved Dec. 28, 1984. Published June 1985.
for classification, segregation, and disposal of chemical labo-
Draft Manual for Infectious Waste Management, SW-957, USEPA, Washing-
ratory waste.
ton, DC., September 1982.
Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D 4447
4.3 Even though the small quantity generator exclusion (40 5.2.25 Water insoluble waste of unknown origin or proper-
CRF 261.5) may apply to laboratories, the professional labo- ties,
ratory supervisor and his or her employers must balance the
5.2.26 Empty containers,
importance of protecting human health and the environment
5.2.27 Asbestos or asbestos containing waste,
from the adverse impact of potential mismanagement of small
5.2.28 Contaminated labware and trash,
quantities of hazardous waste, with the need to hold the
5.2.29 Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
administrative and economic burden of management of these
wastes under RCRA within reasonable and practical limits.
6. Pretreatment and Recovery Methods
Additionally, all lab supervisors should be aware of all current
local, state, and federal regulations, and specific hazardous 6.1 The following methods may be employed for the recov-
waste management facility criteria. ery or pretreatment of waste in the laboratory. All persons
using chemicals in the laboratory must be aware of the toxic or
5. Classification of Waste Types
hazardous properties of the substance(s) used, including con-
sideration of the toxic properties of possible reaction products.
5.1 The individual responsible for classification and segre-
In incorporating the following procedures, examine the pos-
gation must be familiar with the waste’s chemical, physical,
sible hazards associated with each.
and hazardous properties. If the waste is ultimately to be
6.1.1 Recovery, re-use— Consideration should be given to
disposed of off-site, it must be segregated, packaged, and
distillation for the recovery of larger volumes of solvents.
classified according to defined DOT hazard classification, as
Many laboratories have systems for the recovery and re-use of
specified in the DOT hazardous materials regulations 49 CFR
mercury. Other recovery methods such as precipitation or
172.
crystallization may be practical.
5.2 The chemical waste may be segregated into the follow-
ing waste types, 6.1.2 Dilution—Many laboratory chemical wastes can be
5.2.1 Trash, inert chemicals, non-toxic, non-reactive, non-
diluted to an extent to allow disposal to the sewer system.
ignitable, non-corrosive solids as per RCRA or DOT guide- However, this procedure is not recommended for toxic sub-
lines, stances exhibiting characteristics of eroaccumulation, persis-
5.2.2 Weak aqueous acid solutions (<10 % weight) and tence, or degradation to more toxic substances. Strong acid and
bases should be diluted to pH 3-11 for this purpose. Some
related compounds,
5.2.3 Weak aqueous alkaline solutions (<10 % weight) and solutions of water soluble flammable solvents can be diluted
enough to render them non-flammable. Small amounts of
related compounds,
various heavy metal compounds may be diluted to an extent
5.2.4 Concentrated aqueous acid solutions and related com-
that does not pose a hazard to a sewer system. Consult the local
pounds,
waste-water treatment facility for acceptable guidelines.
5.2.5 Concentrated aqueous alkaline solutions and related
compounds,
6.1.3 Neutralization— Strong acids and bases can carefully
5.2.6 Flammable (flash point, closed cup, °F < 140°), be neutralized to pH 3-11 to render them less hazardous for
non-halogenated organic solvents and related compounds,
disposal.
5.2.7 Flammable halogenated organic solvents and related
6.1.4 Oxidation—Compounds such as sulfides, cyanides,
compounds,
aldehydes, mercaptans, and phenolics can be oxidized to less
5.2.8 Non-flammable non-halogenated organic solvents and
toxic and less odoriferous compounds.
related compounds,
6.1.5 Reduction—In addition to oxidizers and peroxides,
5.2.9 Non-flammable halogenated organic solvents and re-
various organic chemicals and heavy metal solutions can be
lated compounds,
reduced to less toxic substances. Aqueous waste containing
5.2.10 Organic acids,
hexavalent chromium may be reduced to tri-valent using
5.2.11 Organic bases,
reducing agents such as bisulfite and ferrous sulfate. Mercury,
5.2.12 Inorganic oxidizers, peroxides,
lead, and silver may be removed from aqueous streams by the
5.2.13 Organic oxidizers, peroxides,
process of reduction/precipitation. Organo-lead compounds
5.2.14 Toxic heavy metals,
can be removed by the same type processes. The resulting
5.2.15 Toxic poisons, herbicides, pesticides, and carcino-
concentrated heavy metal waste can be containerized and
gens,
disposed of at an authorized hazardous waste management
5.2.16 Aqueous solutions of reducing agents and related
facility, or subjected to recovery at a treatment facility.
compounds,
6.1.6 Controlled Reactions/Processes—Other methods for
5.2.17 Pyrophoric substances,
reducing the hazardous properties of waste will involve pro-
5.2.18 Water reactive substances,
cesses specific to particular waste generated by the laboratory.
5.2.19 Cyanide, sulfide, and ammonia bearing waste,
To be practical, the waste would have to be of sufficient volume
5.2.20 Explosive materials,
and, for safety purposes, the process would need to be carefully
5.2.21 Radioactive materials,
studied and the resulting products identified. Examples may
5.2.22 Infectious waste in life science laboratories,
include evaporation, filtration, ion exchange, carbon adsorp-
5.2.23 Infectious waste in hospitals, tion, solvent extraction, hydrolysis, ozonolysis, and electroly-
5.2.24 Water soluble waste of unknown origin or properties, sis.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D 4447
7. Disposal Methods 7.4.2 Many chemicals that are similarly classified will react
for example, concentrated solutions of nitric acid mixed with
7.1 Containerization (Dumpster)—This method should be
acetic acid can cause spontaneous ignition. Therefore, an
used only in the disposal of inert laboratory solid waste. Each
employee of the waste generator, familiar with the chemicals
institution should have a procedure for handling solid waste to
and their respective hazards, is to be responsible for not only
include classification, segregation, and collection. Materials
segregation, but also for the documentation and packaging
disposed of in this manner must be suitable for sanitary landfill
operations. Compatible materials, of the same classification,
disposal and must be of no threat to the personnel handling the
are to be packaged in tightly and securely sealed inside
waste. Many materials disposed of in this manner by labora-
containers of the size and type specified in the DOT hazardous
tories may be regulated by local authorities.
materials regulations 40 CFR 173, 178, and 179, if those
7.2 Disposal to the Sewer System—Many laboratory chemi-
regulations specify a particular inside container, and placed in
cals, with or without pretreatment by one or more of the above
DOT-approved open-top metal drums.
prescribed methods, are amenable to sewer disposal. RCRA
7.4.3 Vermiculite or an other inert and compatible material
regulations (40 CFR 261.3) grant special exemptions for
is to be placed around the original waste containers to avoid
laboratory effluents from hazardous waste regulations if the
breakage and to act as an absorbent should any breakage or
annualized average flow of laboratory wastewater is less than
leakage occur. The chemicals are to be equally distributed
1% of the total wastewater going to the headworks of the water
within the drum with not less than an equal volume of
treatment facility and the concentration of hazardous material
vermiculite. The drums must be completely filled and properly
is less than 1 ppm in the headwaters. Also, local regulations
sealed.
govern the concentrations and types of chemicals that may be
7.4.4 A list detailing the contents of each drum, including
let to a sewer. Laboratory supervisors must familiarize them-
the chemicals’ common or generic names, the DOT hazard
selves and their co-workers with these regulations. In addition
classes, quantities of each, and any pertinent comments, must
to the statements made earlier regarding dilution (6.1.2) and
be available for completion of manifesting purposes and for the
neutralization (6.1.3), it is important to emphasize that highly
disposal firm.
toxic, malodorous, or lachrymatory chemicals should not be
7.5 Solidification— In addition to the lab pack, an alternate
disposed of down the drain. Laboratory drains are usually
drum disposal method involves the solidification of compatible
interconnected, and a substance that goes down one sink may
liquid chemical waste with vermiculite or a suitable solidifi-
arise as a vapor from another. Additionally, the comingling of
cation agent such as diatomaceous earth or clay.
waste from different sources in the sewer system may present
7.5.1 A suggested procedure is as follows: A DOT-approved
definite hazards for example, the sulfide poured down one
open-top metal drum (17 H) containing a free-standing liner is
drain may contact an acid poured into another. Some simple
filled to approximately one-third with the adsorbent. The liquid
reactions, such as ammonia plus iodine or silver nitrate plus
waste is then carefully poured into the adsorbent, mixed, and
ethanol, may produce explosions. Laboratory supervisors must
allowed to stand. The liquid waste may need pretreatment (for
be aware of the types of chemicals disposed in this manner so
example, neutralization, reduction, etc.) to render it compatible
that the risk of potential laboratory accidents is reduced.
with the solidification agent. The rema
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