[Histonet] Disposal of Formaldehyde

[Peter Baldwin]

Ruth is on target with her answer.  EPA regulates all "solid" (which includes liquids) hazardous waste produced by healthcare facilities and others, among which formaldehyde is classified as a "listed" chemical (code U122).  If a chemical is not "listed" (or specifically identified), it still is classified as hazardous if it is ignitable, corrosive, reactive or toxic.

All hazardous wastes must be handled (including monitoring, storage, and disposal) in accordance with EPA regs, which specifically state that hazardous wastes generated in the (healthcare) laboratory "cannot be disposed into drains."  So even though there may be additional local governmental regulations with which each facility must comply, they cannot supersede the EPA regs.

The EPA Website is full of dispersed hazardous waste information, but a good starting point is: http://www.hercenter.org 

Peter

Peter G. Baldwin

Director of Sales, Marketing & Business Development
pbaldwin <@t> theadvisoryboardprogram.com

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