Waste solvent from chemical processes or cleaning should be be collected for disposal as hazardous waste.

Waste solvent at Earlham typically falls into four waste stream categories:

• Non-Halogenated Solvent Waste:  This is the most common waste stream, consisting of solvents such as acetone, ethanol, methanol, ether, hexanes, ethyl acetate, and toluene.
• Halogenated Solvent Waste:  Solvent waste that contains, either in total or as a mixture, halogenated solvents such as chloroform, dichloromethane (methylene chloride)
• Heavy Metals Solvent Waste:  Solvent waste that contains quantities of heavy metals, such as arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, selenium and silver
• Paint Solvent and Residue:  Solvent waste resulting from using oil based paints and thinners, including amounts of oil-based paint residue

All of these waste streams should be collected in a container that is suitable for the waste being collected and labeled with the words "HAZARDOUS WASTE" along with the name of the waste stream.

If you are unsure of what waste stream your process falls under, are starting a new process that generates waste, or have any other questions, please contact the Chemical Hygiene Officer.