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CIDEX® OPA is used commonly in hospitals and some research laboratories to disinfect medical and some research devices. OPA (orthophthaldehyde) is very toxic to fish (although not very toxic to humans.) Because it is so toxic to fish, waste CIDEX OPA needs to be treated before it can be poured down the drain. The OPA concentration in waste Cidex OPA is usually about 0.3-0.5%, but the sewer discharge limit is 0.01%.
Treatment is easy. Add 7 grams of glycine per gallon of waste CIDEX OPA (or one teaspoon glycine per quart of waste CIDEX OPA.) Allow reaction to take place for 5 minutes before pouring waste down the drain.
Please let us know if you begin to treat CIDEX OPA by calling us at 206.685.3759 or emailing us at chmwaste@u.washington.edu. By law we are required to keep track of all hazardous waste treatment on campus.
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