What is the best way to dispose of chemicals used in conservation procedures?
Many chemicals used in artifact conservation are toxic, or pose physical or environmental hazards (i.e. flammable solvents, corrosive solutions, heavy metal residues). All these chemicals and their disposal are regulated by the US and state governments under the Environmental Protection Agency (40CFR subchapter 1, parts 260-370), Department of Transportation (49CFR Subchapters A, B, C, parts 106-178), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (29CFR Section 1910). The notes below are summaries, but you must check the actual regulations for compliance. Under these regulations, NO-ONE using or handling chemicals is exempt from properly disposing of hazardous waste materials (except for household products, even though they are usually just as strong and toxic as the industrial materials).
