Waste Management for Ceramics, Metal Work and Sculpture

Ceramics and Sculpture activities generate a number of chemical wastes. Some examples include waste glazes, dry ceramic material, acid and oils. Below are suggestions on how to manage the majority of chemical waste generated. For complete information on chemical waste management, go to the Laboratory Chemical Waste Management Procedures. These procedures are universal for both laboratory and art operations.

Waste Glazes:

  • Place the waste glazes into the original container or other sturdy plastic container
  • Place the containers into a cardboard box
  • Apply a completed chemical waste label to the outside of the box
  • Contact DEHS to remove the waste

Waste Dry Ceramic Material:

  • Place the waste into the original container or other sturdy plastic container
  • Place the containers into a cardboard box
  • Apply a completed chemical waste label to the outside of the box
  • Contact DEHS to remove the waste

Cutting Oils and Other Waste Oils:

  • >Obtain a Nalgene low-density polyethylene waste container. These containers are available from the campus laboratory storerooms and laboratory supply stores. You can also purchase gasoline containers from local hardware stores. Do not use consumer commodities such as milk containers or soda bottles. You can also reuse the container that the oils were shipped in.
  • Apply a completed orange chemical waste label to the side of the container, or place in the vinyl tah attched to the container.
  • Wear splash goggles and appropriate chemical protective gloves.
  • Add the liquid waste using a large funnel. If possible, perform all liquid waste bulking in an operating fume hood.
  • Remove the funnel and seal the container.
  • Store the container in a secondary containment bin.
  • Contact DEHS to remove when the container is 90% full.
  • Nalgene or purchased containers will be returned in one week.

Waste Acids:

  • Obtain a Nalgene low-density polyethylene waste container. These containers are available for the campus laboratory storerooms and laboratory supply stores. Do not use consumer commodities such as milk containers or soda bottles. You can also reuse the container that the acids were shipped in.
  • Apply a completed chemical waste label to the side of the container, or place in the vinyl tah attched to the container.
  • Wear splash goggles and appropriate chemical protective gloves.
  • Add the liquid waste using a large funnel. If possible, perform all liquid waste bulking in an operating fume hood.
  • Remove the funnel and seal the container.
  • Store the container in a secondary containment bin.
  • Contact DEHS to remove when the container is 90% full.
  • Nalgene or purchased containers will be returned in one week.

Questions regarding chemical waste issues may be addressed to EHS or call 831-8475.

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