WHEATON 2016 Lab Catalog

WHEATON

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Recycling Safety Coated Containers (Cont.)

Landfill

Coated containers can be crushed and safely landfilled. The plastic jacket is made of PVC

material, which is very chemically stable and does not leach out harmful chemicals into

groundwater. In fact, PVC is often used to make liners for landfill sites.

Incinerate

Coated containers can be incinerated. PVC is often blamed for the release of toxic dioxins

and hydrochloric acid (HCL). However, research has shown that dioxins and hydrochloric

acid are generated no matter what amount of PVC is present in the waste. Incinerator

operating conditions and temperatures determine the amounts produced. Hydrochloric

acid, which can cause acid rain, can be controlled in a modern incinerator equipped with

a proper scrubber.

The safety coating was developed to contain the glass fragments and allow for a

controlled release of the contents in the event of container breakage. In addition, the

coating adds impact, thermal shock and slip resistance, prevents flying fragments and

cuts and reduces risk of chemical exposure and inhalation. Few, if any, alternative-

coating materials have been found that perform as well or better than PVC plastisol.

Recycling Glass

Most household glass containers are manufactured from soda-lime glass. All of our

soda-lime glass may be recycled in the same manner after performing any necessary

decontamination procedures. Borosilicate glass must not be mixed and recycled with

soda-lime glass.

General Cleaning of Glassware

Handle glassware carefully. Most damage to glassware occurs during cleaning.

Glassware should be washed as soon as possible after use to avoid caking of residue.

It is important not to let soiled glassware dry out. If immediate cleaning is not possible,

the glassware should be put to soak in water. Use of a cleaning agent is recommended.

Glassware should not to be cleaned with harsh or abrasive cleaners. It is recommended

that a mild detergent or non-abrasive cleaner be used. Hard utensils, wire brushes or

bottle brushes with wire cores, should not be used for cleaning. It is recommended that a

sponge brush that is soft and flexible be used. Scratched glassware is prone to breakage

during freezing or heating.

After washing, the glassware should be rinsed with tap water to remove any cleaning

agent residue. After the tap water rinse, the glassware should be rinsed with distilled or

deionized water. Dry the glassware inverted on racks or pegboards. Inspect the glassware

for chips, cracks and scratches on the inside and outside. Do not use glassware with

visible signs of damage.

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Technical Data, Glass