ASTM D4447-15
Standard Guide for Disposal of Laboratory Chemicals and Samples

Standard No.

ASTM D4447-15

Release Date

2015

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Status

Be replaced

Replace By

ASTM D4447-21

Latest

ASTM D4447-21

Scope

4.1 “Stand-alone” laboratories rarely generate or handle large volumes of hazardous substances. However, the safe handling and disposal of these substances is still a matter of concern. Since the promulgation of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976, more attention has been given to the proper handling and disposal of such materials. States may adopt more stringent requirements; information on this may be found along the path EPA Home > Wastes > Regions/States/Tribes > RCRA State Authorization > Data, Charts and Graphs (STATS) > State/Regional. To keep track of this, EPA classifies state regulatory language as (1) authorized, (2) procedural/enforcement, (3) broader in scope, and (4) unauthorized, and it publishes notices concerning the first three in the Federal Register.

4.2 Laboratory management should designate an individual who will be responsible for waste disposal and must review the RCRA guidelines, in particular:
40 CFR 261.3 - definition of a hazardous waste,
40 CFR 261.33 -specific substances listed as hazardous,
40 CFR 262 - generator requirements and exclusions, and proper shipping and manifesting procedures.

4.3 Because many laboratory employees could be involved in the proper treatment and disposal of laboratory chemicals and samples, it is recommended that a safety and training program be designed and presented to all regarding procedures to follow in the treatment and disposal of designated laboratory wastes. This recommendation is required in the United States by the EPA (40 CFR 265.16). For those who pack and ship, Hazardous Materials Shipper training is also required by DOT (49 CFR 172.203).5

4.4 If practical and economically feasible, it is recommended that all laboratory waste be either recovered, re-used, or disposed of in-house. However, should this not be the case, other alternatives are presented. This guide is intended only as a suggested organized method for classification, segregation, and disposal of chemical laboratory waste. A university can set up its own chemical distributor to take orders from departments, order in economical quantities, sell at prorated bulk price plus expenses, and take back what is unused. For an example of a university central facility for minimizing over-ordering, storing chemical packages between uses, and disposing of hazardous wastes, see the web site of the University of Vermont, especially Procedure 12: Laboratory Waste Pickup and RCRA Hazardous Waste Determination.

4.5 The handling of laboratory samples, especially those received in large numbers or quantities from a specific source, can often be accommodated by returning the material to the originator, for processing and potentially combining with larger quantities of the same material for recycling or disposal. Shipments of hazardous waste, including samples, are subject to RCRA regulations that do not apply to shipments of what is similar but not waste-like. A sample that was not a waste as received, and has not been contaminated or ......

ASTM D4447-15 history

• 2021 ASTM D4447-21 Standard Guide for Disposal of Laboratory Chemicals and Samples
• 2015 ASTM D4447-15 Standard Guide for Disposal of Laboratory Chemicals and Samples
• 2010 ASTM D4447-10 Standard Guide for Disposal of Laboratory Chemicals and Samples
• 2006 ASTM D4447-06 Standard Guide for Disposal of Laboratory Chemicals and Samples
• 1984 ASTM D4447-84(2003) Standard Guide for Disposal of Laboratory Chemicals and Samples
• 1997 ASTM D4447-84(1997) Standard Guide for Disposal of Laboratory Chemicals and Samples