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1.6: Waste

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    534522
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    In the organic laboratory, there are three distinct types of waste:

    Organic waste: Anything organic goes in this waste container, including organic solvents, solids that are left over from reactions or analyses, products obtained, organic extraction solvents and so on. Halogenated (chloroform) and nonhalogenated solvents (ethanol) should be kept separate.

    Aqueous waste: Some aqueous solutions can be neutralized and poured down the sink. Others will be need to be disposed of in a provided container.

    Solid waste: Solids, such as drying agents, and TLC plates should be placed in the fume hood to allow any solvents to be removed. Then, the solid materials can be thrown in the trash.

    It is important to follow the waste disposal as directed by your instructor or TA.

    The handling and disposal of chemicals is not only an important aspect of the day-to-day work in the lab, but also for the environment, ecology, and the workers and other organisms that surround us.


    1.6: Waste is shared under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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