HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL APPARATUS

Abstract

The present disclosure describes apparatuses, systems, and kits for collecting, storing, or disposing hazardous waste. The apparatus may significantly reduce the risk of permeation of any hazardous material placed within the apparatus. The apparatus may provide a zero permissible exposure limit. The apparatus may reduce exposure to hazardous materials and may provide an increased ease of use compared to conventional apparatuses and systems, which are bulky, expensive, and difficult to use. The apparatus of the present disclosure may be used by any individual regardless of skill level.

Claims

1. An apparatus for collecting, storing, or disposing a liquid, the apparatus comprising: a top edge forming an opening configured to receive the liquid; a continuous closed edge comprising an opposite bottom edge, a first side edge, and an opposite second side edge, wherein the opening comprises an inner pocket configured to store the liquid, and wherein the continuous closed edge is configured to form at least one fluid leakproof seal, and wherein the apparatus is characterized by a factor of PEL up to 1.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the seal is a hermetic seal.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is waterproof.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the seal is a heat seal.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the seal is a zipper seal.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 comprising a front and a back, wherein the back has a length longer than the front.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the back comprises a front facing side which is the distance from the top of the front to the top of the back, and the front facing side comprises at least one adhesive layer.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 comprising at least one fold line, wherein folding the adhesive layer at fold line in the direction indicated by the arrow and pressing the adhesive to the front of the apparatus provides an adhesive seal.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one folding line is located at any horizontal location on the apparatus.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the liquid is hazardous waste.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is a bag.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 comprising a flexible waterproof material selected from a pliable poly-vinyl chloride (PVC), a thermo-plastic polyurethane (TPU), and combinations thereof.

13. A system for collecting, storing, or disposing the liquid, the system comprising a first apparatus according to claim 1 sealed inside a second apparatus of claim 1.

14. The system of claim 13 characterized by a maximum factor of PEL factor of less than 1.0, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, 0.01, or 0.001 and a minimum factor of PEL factor of 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, 0.01, 0.001, or 0.0001.

15. The system of claim 13 characterized by a percentage of PEL from 0.001 to 1.0, such as a percentage of PEL of factor of 1.0, less than 1.0, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, 0.01, or 0.001 and a percentage of PEL of 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, 0.01, 0.001, or 0.0001.

16. An apparatus for collecting, storing, or disposing a hazardous waste, the apparatus comprising: a top edge forming an opening configured to receive the liquid; a front and a back, wherein the back has a length longer than the front, and the back comprises a front facing side which is the distance from the top of the front to the top of the back, and the front facing side comprises at least one adhesive layer; a continuous closed edge comprising an opposite bottom edge, a first side edge, and an opposite second side edge, wherein the opening comprises an inner pocket configured to store the liquid, and wherein the continuous closed edge is configured to form at least one fluid leakproof seal, and wherein the apparatus is characterized by a factor of PEL up to 0.1.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the at least one adhesive layer 170 comprises at least two adhesive layers.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the apparatus is a bag comprising a flexible waterproof material selected from a pliable poly-vinyl chloride (PVC), a thermo-plastic polyurethane (TPU), and combinations thereof.

19. A bag for collecting, storing, or disposing a hazardous waste, the bag comprising: a top edge forming an opening configured to receive the hazardous waste; a front and a back, wherein the back has a length longer than the front, and wherein the back comprises a front facing side which is the distance from the top of the front to the top of the back, and the front facing side comprises at least two adhesive layers; and a continuous closed edge comprising an opposite bottom edge, a first side edge, and an opposite second side edge, and wherein the opening comprises an inner pocket configured to store the liquid, wherein the continuous closed edge is configured to form at least one fluid leakproof seal, wherein the bag comprises a hermetic seal when a distal end of the front engages the back, wherein the bag comprises a tamper evident seal when a distal end of the back engages the front such that the tamper evident seal encloses the hermetic seal, wherein the bag comprises a flexible waterproof material selected from a pliable poly-vinyl chloride (PVC), a thermo-plastic polyurethane (TPU), and combinations thereof; and wherein the bag is characterized by a factor of PEL up to 1.

20. A system for collecting, storing, or disposing the hazardous waste, the system comprising a first apparatus according to claim 19 sealed inside a second apparatus of claim 19, and wherein the system is characterized by a factor of PEL up to 0.1.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] It is to be understood that both the foregoing summary and the following drawings and detailed description may be exemplary and may not be restrictive of the aspects of the present disclosure as claimed. Certain details may be set forth to provide a better understanding of various features, aspects, and advantages of the invention. However, one skilled in the art will understand that these features, aspects, and advantages may be practiced without these details. In other instances, well-known structures, methods, and/or processes associated with methods of practicing the various features, aspects, and advantages may not be shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of other details of the invention.

[0007] The present disclosure may be better understood by reference to the accompanying drawing sheets, in which:

[0008] FIG. 1 includes an apparatus according to certain aspects of the presently disclosed invention described herein.

[0009] FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 include a view of the opening and inner pocket of the apparatus having hazardous material in accordance with certain aspects of the presently disclosed invention described herein.

[0010] FIG. 4 includes a side view of the apparatus in accordance with certain aspects of the presently disclosed invention described herein.

[0011] FIG. 5 includes a front view of the apparatus in accordance with certain aspects of the presently disclosed invention described herein.

[0012] FIG. 6 includes a back view of the apparatus in accordance with certain aspects of the presently disclosed invention described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. As such, terms, such as those defined by commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in a context of a relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0014] As used herein, the term hazardous waste refers to any chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear material or any object, article, item, thing, or device contaminated or in contact with chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear material.

[0015] As used herein, the term and/or includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Likewise, as used in the following detailed description, the term or is intended to mean an inclusive or rather than an exclusive or. That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, X employs A or B is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. Thus, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then X employs A or B is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances.

[0016] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms a, an, and the may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As example, an article may comprise one or more articles, and the like.

[0017] The terms comprises, comprising, including, having, and characterized by, may be inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, elements, compositions, steps, integers, operations, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. Although these open-ended terms may be to be understood as a non-restrictive term used to describe and claim various aspects set forth herein, in certain aspects, the term may alternatively be understood to instead be a more limiting and restrictive term, such as consisting of or consisting essentially of. Thus, for any given aspect reciting compositions, materials, components, elements, features, integers, operations, and/or process steps, described herein also specifically includes aspects consisting of, or consisting essentially of, such recited compositions, materials, components, elements, features, integers, operations, and/or process steps. In the case of consisting of, the alternative aspect excludes any additional compositions, materials, components, elements, features, integers, operations, and/or process steps, while in the case of consisting essentially of, any additional compositions, materials, components, elements, features, integers, operations, and/or process steps that materially affect the basic and novel characteristics may be excluded from such an aspect, but any compositions, materials, components, elements, features, integers, operations, and/or process steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics may be included in the aspect.

[0018] Any method steps, processes, and operations described herein may not be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed, unless otherwise indicated.

[0019] In addition, features described with respect to certain example aspects may be combined in or with various other example aspects in any permutational or combinatory manner. Various aspects or elements of example aspects, as disclosed herein, may be combined in a similar manner. The term combination, combinatory, or combinations thereof as used herein refers to all permutations and combinations of the listed items preceding the term. For example, A, B, C, or combinations thereof is intended to include at least one of: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if order is important in a particular context, also BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB. Continuing with this example, expressly included may be combinations that contain repeats of one or more item or term, such as BB, AAA, AB, BBC, AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, and so forth. The skilled artisan will understand that typically there is no limit on the number of items or terms in any combination, unless otherwise apparent from the context.

[0020] In the description, certain details are set forth to provide a better understanding of various aspects of the systems and methods disclosed herein. However, one skilled in the art will understand that these aspects may be practiced without these details and/or in the absence of any details not described herein. In other instances, well-known structures, methods, and/or techniques associated with methods of practicing the various aspects may not be shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of other details of the various aspects.

[0021] While specific aspects of the disclosure have been provided hereinabove, the disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as necessarily being limited to only the aspects disclosed herein. Rather, these aspects may be provided so that this disclosure is thorough and complete, and fully conveys various concepts of this disclosure to skilled artisans.

[0022] All numerical quantities stated herein may be approximate, unless stated otherwise. Accordingly, the term about may be inferred when not expressly stated. The numerical quantities disclosed herein may be understood as not being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless stated otherwise, each numerical value stated herein is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical value should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding processes. Typical exemplary degrees of error may be within 20%, 10%, or 5% of a given value or range of values. Alternatively, the term about refers to values within an order of magnitude, potentially within 5-fold or 2-fold of a given value. Notwithstanding the approximations of numerical quantities stated herein, the numerical quantities described in specific examples of actual measured values may be reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical values, however, inherently contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[0023] All numerical ranges stated herein include all sub-ranges subsumed therein. For example, a range of 1 to 10 or 1-10 is intended to include all sub-ranges between and including the recited minimum value of 1 and the recited maximum value of 10 because the disclosed numerical ranges may be continuous and include every value between the minimum and maximum values. Any maximum numerical limitation recited herein is intended to include all lower numerical limitations. Any minimum numerical limitation recited herein is intended to include all higher numerical limitations.

[0024] Features or functionality described with respect to certain example aspects may be combined and sub-combined in and/or with various other example aspects. Also, various aspects and/or elements of example aspects, as disclosed herein, may be combined and sub-combined in a similar manner as well. Further, some example aspects, whether individually and/or collectively, may be components of a larger system, wherein other procedures may take precedence over and/or otherwise modify their application. Additionally, a number of steps may be required before, after, and/or concurrently with example aspects, as disclosed herein. Note that any and/or all methods and/or processes, at least as disclosed herein, may be at least partially performed via at least one entity or actor in any manner.

[0025] This disclosure generally describes an apparatus 100 for collecting, transporting, and/or storing hazardous waste (FIG. 1). The apparatus 100 may include a top edge 110, an opposite bottom edge 120, a first side edge 130, and an opposite second side edge 140. The top edge 110 may form an opening 150, wherein the opening 150 may be configured to receive hazardous material or article or object contaminated with hazardous material. The opening 150 may form an inner pocket 155 wherein the hazardous material or article or object contaminated with hazardous material is stored (FIGS. 2 & 3). The apparatus 100 may include a front 115 (FIG. 5) and a back 125 (FIG. 6).

[0026] The bottom edge 120, first side edge 130, and second side edge 140 form a continuous closed edge 160 (FIG. 4). The continuous closed edge 160 may form a seal having one or more of the following properties: leakproof, airtight, and waterproof. The continuous closed edge 160 may be any seal known in the art capable of providing one or more of the properties mentioned above. The continuous closed edge 160 may be formed by a heat seal, wherein heat is used to weld together two or more layers of thermoplastic to form a seal having one or more of the properties discussed above.

[0027] The inner pocket 155 may include a zipper seal 180 or any equivalent known in the art. The zipper seal 180 may include an interlocking mechanism on each side of the inner pocket that may be pressed together to form the zipper seal 180. The zipper seal 180 may include a single tongue and groove closure system or a double tongue and groove closure system. The zipper seal 180 of the present disclosure results in a reduction in exposure to hazardous materials and provides increased ease of use compared to containers known in the art. The zipper seal 180 may be reversibly sealable, wherein the inner pocket 180 may be opened after closure by pulling on the front 115 and back 125 of the apparatus. The zipper seal 180 of the present disclosure may provide one or more of the following properties: leakproof, airtight, and waterproof. The zipper seal 180 of the present disclosure may provide a hermetic seal. While a single zipper seal is described, more than one zipper seal, such as at least 2, 3, 4, and at least 5 zipper seals are contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0028] The back 125 may have a length longer than the front 115. The back 125 may have a front facing side 135 which is the distance from the top of the front 115 to the top of the back 125 (shown as F1 in FIG. 1). The front facing side 135 may include an adhesive layer 170. The apparatus 100 may include a fold line 180, wherein folding the adhesive layer 170 at fold line 180 in the direction indicated by the arrow F1 and pressing the adhesive to the front 115 of the apparatus 100 provides an adhesive seal to help prevent exposure to the hazardous material. The folding line 180 may be located at any horizontal location on the apparatus and is not limited to the location (dashed horizontal line) demonstrated in FIG. 1. Thus, a user may press the adhesive to the front 115 of the apparatus at any feasible or desired location that permits folding and applying the adhesive seal. The apparatus 100 of the present disclosure may include more than one adhesive layer 170 and more than one fold line 180. As a non-limiting example, the apparatus may include at least 1, 2, 3, 4, and at least 5 adhesive layers located in various locations on the apparatus. As a non-limiting example, the apparatus may include at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and at least 10 fold lines. The adhesive may comprise a tamper evident adhesive sealing strip. The tamper evident adhesive sealing strip may include a removable strip to protect the adhesive sealing strip when not in use. The adhesive seal may permanently attach to the apparatus such that removing the adhesive seal irreversibly damages the apparatus. The adhesive seal may not be reversible and/or removable once closed.

[0029] The apparatus of the present disclosure provides increased protection for individuals tasked with disposing and/or containing hazardous material. The apparatus may reduce exposure to hazardous materials and may provide an increased ease of use compared to conventional apparatuses and systems, which are bulky, expensive, and difficult to use. The apparatus of the present disclosure may be used by any individual regardless of skill level.

[0030] The apparatus of the present disclosure may include any size necessary to properly dispose of and contain the desired hazardous material. An apparatus of the present disclosure having hazardous material may be placed within the inner pocket of at least one additional apparatus of the present disclosure to decrease the risk of exposure to the hazardous material. Thus, the present disclosure includes systems having more than one apparatus of the present disclosure, including, but not limited to, at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, and 20 apparatuses placed inside one another. As a non-limiting example, a first apparatus having hazardous material may be placed inside a second apparatus. As a non-limiting example, a first apparatus having hazardous material may be placed inside a second apparatus, wherein the first and second apparatuses may be placed inside a third apparatus. Increasing the number of apparatuses in the system may further reduce the exposure or permeation of hazardous material.

[0031] The apparatus of the present disclosure may include material that is resistant to hazardous material such that the hazardous material does not leak or permeate from the apparatus. The apparatus may include material capable of absorbing chemicals to prevent leaking of hazardous material. The apparatus may include material that is flexible for convenient storage and increased ease of use for the user. The apparatus may include material capable of withstanding up to 80 degrees Celsius of heat without compromising the apparatus. The apparatus may be resistant to oxidizing agents. The ambient air surrounding an apparatus having hazardous material may be free, substantially free, essentially free, or completely free of any hazardous material or vapors, particles, aerosols, or gases generated therefrom. The outside facing layer of the apparatus may be free, substantially free, essentially free, or completely free of any hazardous material or vapors, particles, aerosols, or gases generated therefrom.

[0032] The apparatus may comprise compounds to improve the heat resistance ability of plastic products, such as titanium dioxide, thermoplastic materials such as copolymers made from monomers, which may include, but are not limited to, ethylene, octene-1, hexene-1, ethyl vinyl acetate, vinyl alcohol, and butene-1, polyethylene polymers, polyethylene homopolymers, and other incidental components. For example, the apparatus may comprise an oxygen barrier film made from high density thermoplastic and fluorinated ethylene propylene. The apparatus may comprise polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride polymers or films. The apparatus may comprise barrier components, such as ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), for example. While various thermoplastic materials are described herein, others known in the art are contemplated herein and are within the scope of the present disclosure. The apparatus of the present disclosure may include ethylene vinyl alcohol, derivatives thereof, or similar copolymers to provide a barrier film and prevent gases and organic vapors from leaking or permeating from the apparatus. The apparatus may comprise an activated carbon liner to act as an odor-absorber. The apparatus may comprise a mylar film effective against odors. The airtight seal may comprise silicone or rubber seals to reduce and/or eliminate air and/or odor from escaping.

[0033] The apparatus may have a length and width capable of storing, disposing, and containing any hazardous material. As a non-limiting example, the apparatus may have a length of at least 6 inches, including, but not limited to, 12 inches, 18 inches, 24 inches, 30 inches, 36 inches, 42 inches, 50 inches, and at least 100 inches. The apparatus may have a length of no more than 100 inches, including, but not limited to, 75 inches, 50 inches, 42 inches, 36 inches, 30 inches, 24 inches, 18 inches, 12 inches, and 6 inches. Any combination of upper and lower limits is possible, including, but not limited to, 6 inches to 12 inches, 12 inches to 24 inches, 24 inches to 50 inches, and 50 inches to 100 inches.

[0034] The apparatus may have a width of at least 3 inches, including, but not limited to, 6 inches, 12 inches, 18 inches, 24 inches, 30 inches, 36 inches, 42 inches, 50 inches, and at least 100 inches. The apparatus may have a width of no more than 100 inches, including, but not limited to, 75 inches, 50 inches, 42 inches, 36 inches, 30 inches, 24 inches, 18 inches, 12 inches, 6 inches, and 3 inches. Any combination of upper and lower limits is possible, including, but not limited to, 3 inches to 6 inches, 6 inches to 12 inches, 12 inches to 24 inches, 24 inches to 50 inches, and 50 inches to 100 inches.

[0035] The apparatus of the present disclosure provides decreased permissible exposure limits (PEL) compared to conventional apparatuses known in the art. Conventional apparatuses tend to permit chemicals, gasses, and vapors to leak from the apparatuses while also permitting oxygen to interact with the hazardous material. This may result in the emission of small particles, chemicals, or radiated material that may be dangerous to individuals and the environment. The apparatus of the present disclosure significantly reduces the risk of leaching of any hazardous material placed within the apparatus. The apparatus of the present disclosure may provide a zero permissible exposure limit.

[0036] Conventional systems, apparatuses, and methods to collect, transport, and store hazardous waste are heavy, bulky, and difficult to work with. The present disclosure provides a light weight, universal, easy-to-use apparatus and system for collecting, transporting, and storing hazardous waste.

[0037] It is understood, however, that this disclosure also embraces numerous alternative features, aspects, and advantages that may be accomplished by combining any of the various features, aspects, and/or advantages described herein in any combination or sub-combination that one of ordinary skill in the art may find useful. Such combinations or sub-combinations are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. As such, the claims may be amended to recite any features, aspects, and advantages expressly or inherently described in, or otherwise expressly or inherently supported by this disclosure. Further, any features, aspects, and advantages that may be present in the prior art may be affirmatively disclaimed. Accordingly, this disclosure may comprise, consist of, consist essentially of, or be characterized by one or more of the features, aspects, and advantages described herein.

[0038] The present disclosure provides a kit having one or more apparatuses of the present disclosure. As a non-limiting example, the kit may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, and 25 apparatuses.

EXAMPLES

Example 1: Air Transport Testing and Chemical Permeation Testing

[0039] Air Transport Testing was performed to evaluate containment performance of the apparatus of the present disclosure when exposed to differential pressure resulting from transport in a pressurized aircraft. The apparatus was sealed at sea level and pressurized to 8000 feet altitude equivalent pressure.

[0040] Chemical Permeation Testing was performed to evaluate permeation performance of the apparatus of the present disclosure when placed in direct contact with toxic industrial chemicals, including, tetrahydrofuran, tetrachloroethylene, 70% nitric acid, carbon disulfide, toluene, 50% hydrogen peroxide, and bis-(20chloroethyl) sulfide.

[0041] The polyethylene materials in the apparatus demonstrated resistance to corrosives. The barrier components, such as ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer material, for example, of the apparatus of the present disclosure provided chemical resistance to all materials tested.

[0042] The apparatus withstood pressure differentials up to 15 psi without opening and had significant burst strength without complications. The apparatus withstood weeks of exposure to corrosives and strong oxidizers. The apparatus was chemically resistant to extensive solvent exposure.

Example 2: Leakage and Permeation Testing

[0043] Each apparatus was sent to an accredited testing company to determine, quantitatively, the leakage and permeation of Tetrahydrofuran (THF). One apparatus of the present disclosure tested had a single adhesive strip along with a standard, single tongue and groove closure system. A second apparatus of the present disclosure had two adhesive strips with a standard, single tongue and groove closure.

[0044] Each apparatus was tested against THE using a single and double apparatus system. For the single apparatus system, 5 mL of THF (4,445,000 g) was added to the apparatus and properly sealed. For the double apparatus system, 5 mL of THF was added to one of the apparatuses, which was sealed appropriately and then placed inside a second apparatus of the same type, which was sealed appropriately.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Double Apparatus System Results Total Amount Vapor Conc. Recovered in 5 L bag (ug) from % (ug/L = Percentage Factor Replicate sample Recovery mg/m.sup.3) of PEL of PEL 1 0.62 <0.001 0.124 0.02 0.0002 2 1.86 <0.001 0.372 0.06 0.0006 3 6.1 <0.001 1.22 0.21 0.002

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Single Apparatus System Results Total Amount Vapor Conc. Recovered in 5 L bag (ug) from % (ug/L = Percentage Factor Replicate sample Recovery mg/m.sup.3) of PEL of PEL 1 2335 0.053 467 79 0.8 2 4810 0.108 962 163 1.6 3 11250 0.253 2250 381 3.8

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Double Apparatus System with a double adhesive strip results Total Amount Vapor Conc. Recovered in 5 L bag (ug) from % (ug/L = Percentage Factor Replicate sample Recovery mg/m.sup.3) of PEL of PEL 1 11.5 <0.001 2.3 0.39 0.004

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Single Apparatus System with a double adhesive strip results Total Amount Vapor Conc. Recovered in 5 L bag (ug) from % (ug/L = Percentage Factor Replicate sample Recovery mg/m.sup.3) of PEL of PEL 1 6150 0.138 1230 208 2.1

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Single Apparatus system heat sealed below all closures Total Amount Vapor Conc. Recovered in 5 L bag (ug) from % (ug/L = Percentage Factor Replicate sample Recovery mg/m.sup.3) of PEL of PEL 1 164 0.004 32.8 6 0.1

[0045] The double apparatus system significantly reduced the amount of THF permeating from the ensemble. It was expected that a triple apparatus system or a system having 4 or more apparatuses would result in even lower permeation of THE, and a zero PEL. The single apparatus heat sealed control represents the permeation rate through the body of the apparatus completely independent of the closure type.

[0046] The present invention is directed to the following aspects:

[0047] Aspect 1. An apparatus for collecting, storing, or disposing a liquid, the apparatus comprising: a top edge 110 forming an opening 150 configured to receive the liquid; a continuous closed edge 160 comprising an opposite bottom edge 120, a first side edge 130, and an opposite second side edge 140, wherein the opening 150 comprises an inner pocket 155 configured to store the liquid, and wherein the continuous closed edge 160 is configured to form at least one fluid leakproof seal, and wherein the apparatus is characterized by a factor of PEL up to 1.

[0048] Aspect 2. The apparatus of any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the seal is a hermetic seal, and/or wherein the seal is a tamper evident seal, and/or wherein the seal is irreversible.

[0049] Aspect 3. The apparatus of any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the apparatus is waterproof.

[0050] Aspect 4. The apparatus of any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the seal is a heat seal.

[0051] Aspect 5. The apparatus of any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the seal is a zipper seal.

[0052] Aspect 6. The apparatus of any of the foregoing aspects comprising a front 115 and a back 125, wherein the back 125 has a length longer than the front 115.

[0053] Aspect 7. The apparatus of any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the back 125 comprises a front facing side 135 which is the distance from the top of the front 115 to the top of the back 125, and the front facing side 135 comprises at least one adhesive layer 170.

[0054] Aspect 8. The apparatus of any of the foregoing aspects comprising a fold line 180, wherein folding the adhesive layer 170 at fold line 180 in the direction indicated by the arrow F1 and pressing the adhesive to the front 115 of the apparatus 100 provides an adhesive seal.

[0055] Aspect 9. The apparatus of any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the folding line 180 is located at any horizontal location on the apparatus, and/or wherein the folding line 180 is located at any vertical location on the apparatus.

[0056] Aspect 10. The apparatus of any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the at least one fold line 180 comprises a first fold line and a second fold line, wherein the first fold line defines a first foldback when the first extension is folded back onto itself with or without the adhesive to form a first hermetic seal, and the second fold line defines a second foldback that adhesively attaches to the outer surface to cover the first hermetic seal to form the tamper evident seal.

[0057] Aspect 11. The apparatus of any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the liquid is hazardous waste.

[0058] Aspect 12. The apparatus of any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the apparatus is a bag, and/or wherein the apparatus is not a rigid container.

[0059] Aspect 13. The apparatus of any of the foregoing aspects comprising a flexible waterproof material selected from a pliable poly-vinyl chloride (PVC), a thermo-plastic polyurethane (TPU), and combinations thereof.

[0060] Aspect 14. A system for collecting, storing, or disposing the liquid, the system comprising a first apparatus according to any of the foregoing aspects sealed inside a second apparatus of any of the foregoing aspects.

[0061] Aspect 15. The system of any of the foregoing aspects characterized by a maximum factor of PEL of less than 1.0, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, 0.01, or 0.001 and a minimum factor of PEL of 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, 0.01, 0.001, or 0.0001.

[0062] Aspect 16. The system of any of the foregoing aspects characterized by a percentage of PEL from 0.001 to 1.0, such as a maximum percentage of PEL of factor of 1.0, less than 1.0, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, 0.01, or 0.001 and a minimum percentage of PEL of 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, 0.01, 0.001, or 0.0001.

[0063] Aspect 17. An apparatus for collecting, storing, or disposing a hazardous waste, the apparatus comprising: a top edge 110 forming an opening 150 configured to receive the liquid; a front 115 and a back 125, wherein the back 125 has a length longer than the front 115, and the back 125 comprises a front facing side 135 which is the distance from the top of the front 115 to the top of the back 125, and the front facing side 135 comprises at least one adhesive layer 170; a continuous closed edge 160 comprising an opposite bottom edge 120, a first side edge 130, and an opposite second side edge 140, wherein the opening 150 comprises an inner pocket 155 configured to store the liquid, and wherein the continuous closed edge 160 is configured to form at least one fluid leakproof seal, and wherein the apparatus is characterized by a factor of PEL up to 0.1.

[0064] Aspect 18. The apparatus of any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the at least one adhesive layer 170 comprises at least two adhesive layers.

[0065] Aspect 19. The apparatus of any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the apparatus is a bag comprising a flexible waterproof material selected from a pliable poly-vinyl chloride (PVC), a thermo-plastic polyurethane (TPU), and combinations thereof.

[0066] Aspect 20. A bag for collecting, storing, or disposing a hazardous waste, the bag comprising: a top edge 110 forming an opening 150 configured to receive the hazardous waste; a front 115 and a back 125, wherein the back 125 has a length longer than the front 115, and wherein the back 125 comprises a front facing side 135 which is the distance from the top of the front 115 to the top of the back 125, and the front facing side 135 comprises at least two adhesive layers 170; and a continuous closed edge 160 comprising an opposite bottom edge 120, a first side edge 130, and an opposite second side edge 140, and wherein the opening 150 comprises an inner pocket 155 configured to store the liquid, wherein the continuous closed edge 160 is configured to form at least one fluid leakproof seal, wherein the bag comprises a flexible waterproof material selected from a pliable poly-vinyl chloride (PVC), a thermo-plastic polyurethane (TPU), and combinations thereof; and wherein the bag is characterized by a factor of PEL up to 1.

[0067] Aspect 21. A system for collecting, storing, or disposing the hazardous waste, the system comprising a first apparatus according to any of the foregoing aspects sealed inside a second apparatus of any of the foregoing aspects, and wherein the seal is a hermetic seal.

[0068] Aspect 22. The system of any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the factor of PEL of the first apparatus is greater than, less than, or equal to the factor of PEL of the second apparatus.

[0069] Aspect 23. The system of any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the percentage of PEL of the first apparatus is greater than, less than, or equal to the percentage of PEL of the second apparatus.

[0070] Aspect 24. The system of any of the foregoing aspects characterized by a maximum factor of PEL of less than 1.0, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, or 0.01.

[0071] Aspect 25. The system of any of the foregoing aspects characterized by a minimum factor of PEL of 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, 0.01, 0.001, or 0.0001.

[0072] Aspect 26. The system of any of the foregoing aspects characterized by a percentage of PEL from 0.001 to 1.0, 0.001 to 0.01, 0.01 to 0.1, 0.01 to 1.0, or 0.1 to 1.0.

[0073] Aspect 27. The system of any of the foregoing aspects characterized by a maximum percentage of PEL of factor of 1.0, less than 1.0, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, or 0.01.

[0074] Aspect 28. The system of any of the foregoing aspects characterized by a minimum percentage of PEL of 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, 0.01, 0.001, or 0.0001.

[0075] Aspect 29. The apparatus of any of the foregoing aspects comprising a front 115 and a back 125, wherein the back 125 has a length longer than the front 115, wherein the front 115 includes a tongue/grove sealing member of the hermetic sealing strip at its distal end, wherein the back 125 includes a tamper evident adhesive sealing strip at its distal end and a tongue/grove sealing member of the hermetic sealing strip configured to engage the tongue/grove sealing member of the hermetic sealing strip of the front 115, and wherein the apparatus is configured to form a hermetic seal when the tongue/grove sealing member of the front 115 engages the tongue/grove sealing member of the back 125 to form a first seal (e.g., a hermetic seal) and the back 125 is configured to fold over the hermetic seal and form a second seal (e.g. an irreversible tamper evident seal) when the adhesive sealing stirp of the back 125 engages the front 115.

[0076] All documents cited herein are incorporated herein by reference, but only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other documents set forth herein. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern. The citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to this application.

[0077] While particular aspects have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific apparatuses and methods described herein, including alternatives, variants, additions, deletions, modifications, and substitutions. This application including the appended claims is therefore intended to cover all such changes and modifications that may be within the scope of this application.