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Avoid Pouring Chemicals–and Your Reputation–Down the Drain

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Dear Dora,

Everyone in my new lab pours all sorts of solvents down the drain and says it’s ok because they flush with a lot of water. I’m a first-year graduate student so maybe this is how all labs work, but it seems crazy. Is there a way for me to bring this issue up without being the annoying newbie?

- anonymous, first year graduate student

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Dear Anonymous Graduate Student,

You are right to be concerned about others pouring solvents down the drain. Besides being an environmental hazard, your university can get fined thousands of dollars by the environmental agencies. Some labs even get shut down for improper disposal of lab waste.

It is true that some chemicals can be poured down the sink if you flush it down with plenty of water. If you know which chemicals are used, I recommend doing a quick internet search to determine if they are being disposed of properly (this will save you embarrassment when you bring up the issue). If you have a reasonable suspicion that there is improper disposal, you can bring it up politely, with the responsible person first. You can be polite such as “Are you sure this is the right way to dispose of XYZ?” If he/she dismisses your comment, then the most politically correct solution would be to bring it up with your PI (without any names). He/she might recommend a group meeting where you review proper chemical waste management, or call someone from the university to give a training (these are done on a yearly basis anyway).

Keep in mind that if you bring it up with your supervisor, he/she might give you the responsibility of being the lab safety officer. However, as a first your student this could be a good opportunity for you to learn more about the chemicals used in your field. In addition, your supervisor will view you as someone with initiative and leadership skills, and have more respect for you.

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Dora Farkas, Ph.D. is the author “The Smart Way to Your Ph.D.:200 Secrets from 100 Graduates,” and the founder of PhDNet, an online community for graduate students and PhDs. You will find links to her book, monthly newsletters, and discussion board on her site. Send your questions to DearDora@benchfly.com and keep an eye out for them in an upcoming issue!

Stay tuned for the next Dear Dora in two weeks!  In the meantime, check a few of Dora’s recent posts:

 

Submit your questions to Dora at DearDora@benchfly.com, or use the comment box below!



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