The Second Edition Guidelines on the Disposal of Chemical Wastes from Laboratory was published by the Department of Environment on May 2016.

Management of chemical wastes form laboratories is a growing concern in Malaysia. Chemical wastes generated from laboratories in daily operations can cause adverse effects to the occupational and public health as well as the environment when improperly segregated or disposed off. Serious accidents could occur if laboratory operators become complacent in handling such wastes.

The overall goal of the Department of Environment is to ensure that the prevention of pollution be the best management practice. This guideline has therefore been developed with prevention in mind and as a handy tool for laboratory personnel’s use. It is envisaged that is would assist them in the proper technique of handling chemical laboratory wastes and its subsequent disposal in such manner that will not degrade the environment nor endanger health and safety.

In the course of the preparation of these guidelines, good input were provided by many agencies and institutions of higher learning. This sharing of their experiences and knowledge in the handling of chemical wastes from their own laboratories has provided useful information on the proper and practical aspects that are required and would ensure that hazardous chemical wastes are disposed off safely.