Throughout the semester you will have to dispose of chemicals regularly. The most important thing is to remember that only water (with or without soap) can go down the drain. All other chemicals must be discarded in the correct waste bottle. In an undergraduate organic chemistry teaching lab, typical waste can include the following: Organic Waste (waste hood: bottle) Examples: Ethanol, methanol, acetone, diethyl ether, dichloromethane, reactions with organic solvents Sources: Solvent extractions, recrystallization, reaction media Aqueous Acid and Base Waste (waste hood: bottle) Examples: Hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), sodium hydroxide (NaOH) Sources: Neutralization reactions, workup procedures Solid Chemical Waste (waste hood: container) Examples: Unused reagents, silica gel, spent drying agents (e.g., magnesium sulfate, sodium sulfate) Sources: Filtration processes, drying agents after use, failed reactions Broken Glassware (labeled cardboard box) Examples: Cracked or shattered beakers, flasks, pipettes Sources: Accidents, handling errors, improper storage Lab Supplies (trashcan) Examples: Weigh boats, weigh paper, nitrile gloves, paper towels, pH strips Sources: Handling of chemicals, transferring liquids, cleaning up spills These waste materials require proper disposal procedures in compliance with environmental and safety regulations.