There's no EPA regulation saying that each chemical must be disposed of
separately (or everyone in the country is violating it).
I've worked in a few different labs and disposal varies with the city:
In one lab, just about everything but chorinated solvents and photoresist
goes down the city drain. These two are stored for pickup.
In another lab, most chemicals go down the city drain; solutions with
fluoride (e.g., HF, ammonium fluoride) and toxic metals (e.g., Cr) go into a
separate drain for treatment; and all solvents go to a tank for later pickup
for use as fuel.
In yet another lab, fluoride solutions can't do down the city drain and
there is no special treatment, so they must be saved in a common tank for
all users.

    --Kirt Williams
----- Original Message -----
From: "Abhinav Bhushan" 
To: 
Sent: Thursday, October 21, 2004 7:35 AM
Subject: [mems-talk] waste disposal strategy/rules/law


> Hi,
>
> I am wondering what policies are in effect at various
> mems fabs to dispose off organic/acid waste and how
> does it compare with the regulations (EPA)? For
> instance, over here, each individual is required to
> dispose off each of his/her chemical
> (acid/solvent/etc) in a separate waste bottle which is
> later picked up by the "waste disposal squad". The
> justification given to me is that it is an EPA
> regulation (so federal, which means everyone has to
> follow the same guidelines?) to separate all chemicals
> used (so no common disposal of acetone/etc). For
> instance, acetone and IPA should be in separate
> bottles. Now while it is good to have such a
> regulation, one can imagine how  painful it can be
> with a bunch of people working in the lab and each
> having a couple of waste disposal bottles.
>
> Firstly, I am not aware of the EPA waste disposal
> regulations. Secondly, I am sure other mems labs are
> not following such a stringent procedure. I am curious
> to know what procedures are used at other places so
> that I may be able to better inform our
> safety/regulatory members to put in effect a more user
> friendly policy.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Abhinav
>
>
>
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