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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