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Waste Management and Safety
4.4 Management of Specific Wastes
4.4.0.1
Special Considerations for Cyanide-Containing Materials
4.5 Resources
Waste Management and Safety
Page 58
Hach has several documents to assist customers in managing waste that has
been generated from our products. You can obtain the following documents by
calling 1-800-227-4224 or 970-669-3050 and requesting the literature codes given:
Literature Code
9323
9324
9325
9326
Several procedures in this manual use reagents that contain cyanide compounds.
These materials are regulated as reactive waste (D003) by the Federal RCRA.
Instructions provided with each procedure explain how to collect these materials
for proper disposal. It is imperative that these materials be handled safely to
prevent the release of hydrogen cyanide gas (an extremely toxic material with
the smell of bitter almonds). Most cyanide compounds are stable, and can be
safely stored for disposal, in highly alkaline solutions (pH >11) such as 2 N
sodium hydroxide. Never mix these wastes with other laboratory wastes that
may contain lower pH materials such as acids or even water.
If a cyanide-containing compound is spilled, avoid exposure to hydrogen
cyanide gas. Take the following steps to destroy the cyanide compounds in
an emergency:
1. Use a fume hood, supplied air, or self-contained breathing apparatus.
2. While stirring, add the waste to a beaker containing a strong solution of
sodium hydroxide and either calcium hypochlorite or sodium hypochlorite
(household bleach).
3. Add an excess of hydroxide and hypochlorite. Let the solution stand for
24 hours.
4. Neutralize the solution and flush it down the drain with a large amount of
water. If the solution contains other regulated materials such as chloroform or
heavy metals, it may still need to be collected for hazardous waste disposal.
Never flush untreated hazardous wastes down the drain.
Many sources of information on proper waste management are available. The
USEPA has a hotline number for questions about the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act (RCRA). The RCRA Hotline number is 1-800-424-9346. You may
also get a copy of the appropriate regulations. Federal hazardous waste
regulations are found in 40 CFR 260-99. Obtain this book from the U.S.
Government Printing Office or an alternate vendor. Other documents that may
be helpful to the hazardous waste manager in the laboratory include:
1. Task Force on Laboratory Waste Management. Laboratory Waste Management,
A Guidebook; American Chemical Society, Department of Government
Relations and Science Policy: Washington, DC 1994.
2. Task Force on Laboratory Waste Management. Waste Management Manual for
Laboratory Personnel; American Chemical Society, Department of Government
Relations and Science Policy: Washington, DC 1990.
Title
Mercury Waste Disposal Firms
RCRA Waste Disposal Information
COD Waste Disposal Information
COD Heavy Metal Concentrations
5940022WasteandSafety.fm
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