The government has rules and regulations regarding laboratory waste. The storage, collection, disposal and processing of chemical waste flows from laboratories must take place in a correct and controlled manner. Labs often have to deal with very dangerous and toxic substances, which have a negative impact on the health of humans, animals and the environment.
Knowledge of all waste substances released and strict procedures for their collection are the most important aspects in the safe and responsible disposal of laboratory waste. On this page you can read more about the various safety, delivery and discharge regulations.
The Rijkswaterstaat InfoMil website contains extensive discharge regulations for laboratories. At their knowledge center you can also view which types of laboratories are and are not subject to certain discharge requirements. The basic principle of the regulations is that safe operations are applied within laboratories to prevent the discharge of chemicals into the water. This will be also called 'good laboratory practice'.
The regulations for the discharge of waste water from laboratories and practice areas are described in § 4.8.10 Activities Decree (AB). Briefly explained: A company/lab must at all times prevent substances from ending up in waste water. Source and management-oriented measures must be taken for this. In addition, it is mandatory to draw up rules of conduct.
In addition to rules regarding the discharge of chemical lab waste, specific safety regulations also apply to laboratory waste. These are measures and procedures that relate to the way in which hazardous waste flows are handled within the lab. For example, consider throwing away contaminated personal protective equipment and using approved ones laboratory waste barrels and applying proper waste labeling. ZCare and attention are the basis of these safety measures.
Special delivery conditions apply to the disposal of laboratory waste. Lab waste can be divided into different categories, such as organic and inorganic substances, extremely dangerous (liquid) substances and waste substances that contain heavy metals. The correct packaging must be used for each different waste stream. These can, for example, be drums, boxes or IBC containers. The waste barrels must be inspected, leak-free and of course in good working condition. In addition, the use of tags and labels is mandatory when delivering lab waste.
Drawing up a waste guide or waste card for a correct method of disposal hand in laboratory waste is recommended. In most cases this is also part of the policy within the organization. A waste guide is a detailed document describing all possible hazardous and chemical waste flows that may be released in the laboratory and how they should be dealt with. In this way, every employee is aware of the procedures for the collection of these hazardous substances.
Would you like to know more about the specific collection and disposal regulations for laboratory waste? Our specialists are happy to answer all your questions. Contact us without obligation.
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