Activities to reduce chemical wastes of unknown composition

Abstract

Chemical wastes of unknown composition are very dangerous because the content information is essential for selecting an appropriate handling method. Over 10,000 chemical wastes of unknown composition have been found in the Engineering Department of the University of Tokyo. To address this problem, the Safety and Health Office of the Engineering Department established a working group on chemical waste management in 2005. The working group found out the necessary information for waste treatment and established a safe, speedy,and effective analytical procedure for managing these unknown wastes. Most of the chemical wastes have now been analyzed by analytical instruments and technical staff and sent to Tokyo University’s Environmental Safety Center for disposal. The Safety and Health Office also provides safety training for new faculty members and students and warns against the production of unknown chemical wastes. Furthermore, accompanied by industrial doctors, the Office members visit each chemical laboratory at least once a year, providing chemical management advice when required. Newly found unknown chemical wastes have been successfully reduced by these activities and are expected to be eliminated in future.