In some places these kinds of filters may be considered “Special Waste”- that is waste that doesn’t qualify as hazardous, but may require special handling or raise concerns when disposed of as solid waste. My agency oversees the solid waste transfer stations in our region, and for large filters we require a special waste application form, along with any documentation that would confirm that the waste is not hazardous, and would address any health and safety considerations or special handling that may be required in the solid waste system. We then issue a permit which accompanies the waste when it is dumped. You may want to check with your local solid waste authority before disposing of this type of item.  

From our hazardous waste manager:

Yes, that is what our shops do with them. In specific cases, such as hoods used for beryllium or other highly toxic metal dusts, we have instructed shops to bag and tag them as hazardous waste.

Just retain any test results in your files as documentation.

Larry

Lawrence M. Gibbs, CIH

Associate Vice Provost for EH&S

Stanford University

480 Oak Road

Stanford, CA  94305-8007

650-723-7403

Greetings.

I would like your advice:  If you have filters (such as for ductless fume hoods) that have been tested and determined to be below the TCLP (toxicity characteristic leaching procedure), i.e. non-hazardous waste, how do you dispose of them?  Regular trash?

-Jo Wagoner
BU Chemistry