Are pipettes contaminated with trace phenol and chloroform a hazardous waste?
Chloroform is considered a hazardous waste in concentrations of 6.0ppm or greater. If a material being collected for disposal states that there is ‘trace’ chloroform, then the researcher creating the waste must decide whether the waste materials contain chloroform at that level. If the level of chloroform is less than 6.0ppm, then the material is non-RCRA hazardous waste and should be labeled as such to avoid the perception that it is an unlabeled hazardous waste. Otherwise it must be labeled ‘hazardous waste’ and have an attached, completed waste tag and a closed lid. Back To FAQ List • Is it acceptable to have open containers of solid phenol/chloroform waste in the hood? There are cases where you would not be permitted to store phenol/chloroform waste open in the hood. If the waste consisted of an eppindorf tube that, after use, still contained 3% or more of its contents, then drying the remaining liquids would constitute treating the waste (which requires a permit). In this circumst
