ERG Environmental Manages Lab Pack Disposal for a Community College

Project Overview

ERG Environmental Services partnered with a community college in Ohio to manage the disposal of a lab pack of expired chemicals. Recognizing the complexities and potential hazards associated with unidentified and outdated laboratory materials, the college entrusted ERG to provide a comprehensive solution, ensuring safe handling, proper categorization, and compliant disposal. Our team of experienced chemists meticulously inventoried and prepared the chemicals for shipment, navigating the challenges of incomplete documentation and unmarked substances.

Our key services included:

• Chemical Inventory and Categorization: On-site inventory and detailed categorization of all expired chemicals located across various laboratory areas.
• Unknown Chemical Identification: Utilizing generator knowledge, Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), and scientific expertise to identify unmarked chemical substances.
• Safe Chemical Consolidation: Properly consolidating compatible chemicals to optimize packaging and minimize disposal costs.
• Compliant Lab Pack Preparation: Preparing the chemical inventory into secure lab packs according to all relevant Department of Transportation (DOT) and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations.
• Transportation and Disposal Arrangement: Coordinating the safe and compliant transportation and disposal of the lab packs at a permitted treatment, storage, and disposal facility (TSDF).

The community college faced the challenge of disposing of a collection of expired chemicals without a pre-existing inventory. The materials were located in multiple laboratory areas, adding to the complexity of the project. A significant hurdle was the presence of several unmarked items that required identification to ensure safe handling and proper disposal. The college needed a reliable partner to construct an accurate inventory, identify unknowns, and manage the entire disposal process in a compliant and cost-effective manner.

ERG Environmental Services provided a tailored solution to address the college’s specific challenges:

• Expert On-Site Inventory by Chemists: ERG deployed two experienced chemists to the college campus to conduct a thorough inventory of the expired chemicals across all relevant locations. Their scientific background and knowledge of laboratory practices were crucial for accurate identification and categorization.
• Identification of Unknown Substances: Leveraging their generator knowledge, access to extensive SDS databases, and practical science lab experience, our chemists were able to safely and accurately identify the unmarked chemical items, ensuring they were handled and disposed of correctly.
• Strategic Chemical Consolidation: To optimize the lab packing process and potentially reduce disposal costs, our chemists identified compatible chemicals that could be safely combined for shipment, adhering to all regulatory guidelines.
• RCRA and DOT Compliant Lab Packing: The team meticulously prepared the lab packs in strict accordance with RCRA and DOT regulations, ensuring the safe containment and transportation of all chemical materials.

Value Delivered to the Customer

By partnering with ERG Environmental Services, the community college realized significant value:

• Streamlined Disposal Process: ERG provided a complete turnkey solution, managing all aspects of the project from initial inventory to final disposal, relieving the college staff of this complex and time-consuming task.
• Comprehensive Inventory and Safe Handling: ERG successfully created a detailed inventory of all expired chemicals, including the identification of previously unmarked substances, ensuring all materials were handled safely and appropriately.
• Cost-Effective Disposal Solution: By strategically consolidating compatible chemicals, ERG optimized the lab packing process, potentially reducing the overall volume of waste and associated disposal costs.
• Regulatory Compliance Assurance: Utilizing the expertise of two RCRA and Hazardous Waste trained chemists, ERG ensured that the entire inventory, packing, and shipment process adhered to all applicable environmental regulations, protecting the college from potential liabilities.

ERG Environmental Services possesses the specialized knowledge and experienced personnel, including chemists trained in RCRA and Hazardous Waste regulations, to effectively manage the complexities of laboratory chemical disposal. Our commitment to safety, accuracy, and regulatory compliance ensures that educational institutions can manage their chemical waste responsibly and efficiently.

This project demonstrates ERG Environmental Services’ expertise in handling intricate laboratory waste disposal projects. Our ability to accurately inventory, safely identify unknowns, strategically consolidate, and compliantly pack and ship expired chemicals provides valuable support to educational institutions, ensuring the safe and responsible management of their laboratory materials.