CHEN/PHGN/MLGN 435/535 - Waste Streams
In the lab you will generate significant amounts of wastes. It s very important for both safety and environmental reasons that these wastes are treated properly. The following list identifies the chemicals that are used in this course and the proper waste streams for disposal. Throughout the lab you will see these bottles identified. Most of these are stored in the back of fumehoods.
General Rules:
Rule #1: Nothing except water goes down the drain.
Rule #2: If you are not sure what waste container to use, ask before using any.
Rule #3: When you rinse a container with water, the water becomes a waste stream.
Rule #4: If you cannot locate the proper waste container immediately advise
the instructor/TA.
Rule #5: If a waste container is full or nearly full, immediately advise the
instructor/TA.
Rule #6: When starting a new waste container attach a waste label and write
the title on BOTH the top and side of the container with a Black Sharpie.
Waste Container Chemicals that belong here.
Organic Waste This is primarily solvents such as methanol, ethanol, acetone,
and trichloroethylene (TCE). Also photoresist, which is a polymer dissolved
in organic solvent.
Waste Label: 50% acetone: 20% methanol: 20% trichloroethylene: 5% hexane: 5%
nonane
Acid Waste Mineral acids mixtures - hydrochloric, nitric, sulfuric and
hydrofluoric (HF). RCA ionic clean and aluminum etch. Never mix with organics
(e.g. solvents) - leads to oxidation and potential explosions. Never mix with
bases - causes a rapid release of heat and explosion potential.
Waste Label: 50% water: 10% hydrochloric acid: 10% hydrofluoric acid: 10%
nitric acid: 10% sulfuric acid: 10% hydrogen peroxide
Basic Waste Sodium hydroxide (developer) and ammonium hydroxide (RCA
clean). Never mix with organics - leads to oxidation and
potential explosions. Never mix with acids - causes a rapid release of heat
and explosion potential.
Waste Label: 60% water: 15% sodium hydroxide: 15% ammonium hydroxide:
10% hydrogen peroxide
Solid Waste Primarily materials used with application of photoresist. Includes
disposable pipettes, latex gloves, and kimwipes that become contaminated with
photoresist (purple).
Waste Label: Solids contaminated with organic waste.