Dona, For problems like these, one uses what is called the "Jesuit" solution. For example one in no sense chooses to destroy the left over butyl lithium; instead one decides to synthesize the compound X and it just happens that one of the best ways to make X involves the consumption of that butyl lithium. So, following the procedures required by the local Chemical Hygiene Plan, one devises a series of written steps that describe the procedures by which one intends to make compound X. Et cetera. Jay Young ************************** ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dona Lee Wong, Ph.D."To: Sent: Monday, August 10, 2009 10:29 AM Subject: [DCHAS-L] Disposal of butyl lithium > Responses from users in MA and other states not permitting treatment of > hazardous chemicals to inactivate prior to disposal of particular interest > > One of our chemistry labs has butyl lithium that they no longer use and > are trying to safely dispose of. Massachusetts state law does not permit > any treatment of hazardous chemicals to inactivate prior to "safe > disposal". Our normal process is to transfer any hazardous chemicals to > an isolated and dedicated room. We have a contract with a local company, > skilled in hazardous materials, and trained personnel from that company > then remove the chemical waste. The PI feels that moving the butyl > lithium to the waste facility would be more, rather than less, dangerous > and has requested that we have the butyl lithium removed directly from > their laboratory. The latter, of course, is expensive and the hazardous > waste company suggests that if the butyl lithium is still stored as > received and should be stored in water-free hexane, then it can be brought > down to the holding facility. > > Any experience or recommendations? > > Thanks, > > dona wong > > -- > > Dona Lee Wong, Ph.D. > Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry > Harvard Medical School > Director, Laboratory of Molecular and Developmental Neurobiology > McLean Hospital > 115 Mill Street, MRC #116 > Belmont, MA 02478 > Tel: 617-855-2042 > FAX: 617-855-2058 > e-mail: dona_wong**At_Symbol_Here**hms.harvard.edu >
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