Analysis of the Economic Viability in the Implementation of the Chemical Waste Management System in Teaching and Research Laboratories

Abstract

The prudent management of hazardous materials, from their procurement to their proper disposal, is a critical element of a departmental laboratory safety program. However, it is known that the management of chemical residues involves a high cost and few studies are carried out aiming at assisting in the implementation of this system of management mainly about educational and research institutions. This work therefore presents the economic feasibility analysis in the implementation of the chemical waste management system in laboratories of a Brazilian University. The data were obtained through a questionnaire applied to the technicians of the laboratories generating chemical residues, these being, teaching, research and clinics of the university. The economic-financial analysis has shown that the internal treatment of waste with the construction of a laboratory in the university is an unfeasible project. However, the project is feasible using the already existing structure, such as the chemistry laboratory in the idle periods. In this way, waste treatment on the university campus is feasible, in relation to the costs involved with outsourcing. However, it is necessary to ensure that the chemical standards for sewage disposal, as stipulated by the responsible bodies, are achieved.