"Empty" Chemical Containers At SFSU

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Empty” chemical containers refer to containers that once held hazardous chemicals but are considered empty by regulatory standards. While these containers may not contain a significant amount of residue, they require proper handling to ensure safety and compliance with environmental regulations.

Characteristics of an "Empty" Container:
• For liquid chemicals: Must have all contents removed using common practices such as pouring, pumping, or aspiring, and when the container is inverted, a continuous stream is not observed
• For solid chemicals: Must have all contents removed using common practices such as scraping and chipping, and  no more than 1 inch of residue can remain at the bottom.

"Empty" Chemical Containers (5 gal or less, labels defaced) Information

  • Empty glass reagent bottles.
  • Plastic or metal containers for solvents, acids, or bases.
  • Compressed gas cylinders that no longer contain usable gas.
  • Empty containers that previously held oils, paints, or adhesives.

Environmental Health & Safety:

Juliana Cayetano Email: jcayetano@sfsu.edu

 Telephone: (415) 361-2135

OR

Dipak Janda (Dk) Email: Dipakjanda@sfsu.edu

 Telephone: (415)-542-8046

  • For Glass Containers: Original glass bottle placed in a rigid container for transport.
  • For Plastic or Metal Containers: Capped securely before disposal.
  • For Gas Cylinders: Secured in a rack or returned to the supplier if refillable
  • “Empty Hazardous Material Container”: For containers with non-rinseable residue.
  • Labels must include the original chemical name or hazard symbol if any residue remains

Empty chemical containers may accumulate at the point of generation for up to 10 months

Lab personnel or facility staff coordinate with SFSU's Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) team to transport the containers. Containers are brought to a designated hazardous waste storage area for proper disposal or recycling
 

Empty chemical containers are picked up by certified hazardous waste disposal vendors

Once removed, the waste follows one of these paths:

  • Recycling: Rinsed glass and plastic containers may be sent to certified recycling facilities.
  • Treatment and Disposal: Containers with non-rinseable hazardous residue are treated and disposed of at licensed hazardous waste facilities.
  • Gas Cylinders: Returned to the supplier or sent for recycling if not refillable

Contact Information

For further information about the "Empty" Chemical Containers (5 gal or less, labels defaced) Management Program at SFSU or how you can get involved, please contact:

Environmental Compliance Specialist

Dipak Janda (Dk)