Segregated waste is safer and easier to dispose of than nonsegregated waste. Mixed waste, for example, must be handled as both radioactive waste and hazardous waste.

Each employee who generates waste is personally responsible for the following:

• Ensuring that hazardous wastes are accumulated in safe, transportable containers.
• Ensuring that hazardous wastes are stored properly to prevent possible exposure.

In addition to the guidelines for waste minimization and substitution, follow these guidelines for waste segregation:

• Segregate waste into the following groups:
  • Halogenated solvents
  • Non-halogenated solvents
  • Acids
  • Bases
  • Heavy metals
  • Poisons
  • Reactives
• Do not mix non-hazardous waste, such as water, with hazardous waste.
• Do not combine inorganic heavy metal waste with organic solvent waste in hazardous waste containers.
• Double-bag dry materials contaminated with chemicals (paper, rags, towels, gloves, or kim wipes, etc.) in heavy-duty plastic bags. Do not use biohazard bags. Dispose of these items in the same manner as hazardous waste.
• Encapsulate sharps (e.g., needles, razor blades, etc.) then place them in trash dumpsters.