Hazardous Chemical Waste Management in Teaching Laboratories: A Case Study of the Faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir in Tunisia

The intensive use of chemicals in laboratory work and pharmaceutical research generates a significant amount of hazardous waste, requiring rigorous management to protect the health of users (students, teachers, and technicians). Effective management is critical to minimize environmental contamination and occupational hazards in academic laboratories. Chemical waste from laboratory work is often discharged into sewers, threatening the water table. Sorting and collecting chemical waste are therefore a solution to reduce the risks associated with these substances. In this context, we conducted a study to determine the type of chemical waste generated by practical works of four teaching units at the Faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir in Tunisia: medicinal chemistry, organic chemistry, general chemistry, and pharmacognosy. In 70% of cases, waste revealed to be hazadous. In general, slightly more than half of the waste (55.3%) can be treated by neutralization, while the remaining 44.7% must be stored due to its hazardous or non-neutralizable nature. Once the waste was identified and classified, we sought treatment solutions to ensure its sorting at the source, inert, or secure storage, pending collection by an approved company. The aqueous residues must be chemically neutralized before being drained. This is only applicable to diluted mineral acids and bases C < 1 mol/L that are free of organic solvents, heavy metals, or persistent pollutants. Final pH control (6–8) and compliance with regulatory threshold are also required. Special containers made of high-density polyethylene are needed for contaning halogenated solvents, organometallic complexes, mercury, or chromium. This methodical approach aims to reduce health and environmental risks while educating university stakeholders about appropriate laboratory procedures. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of a systematic approach to waste management as a crucial step toward safer and more responsible academic practices.