Hazards of Nitrate Film
- Extremely Flammable: Nitrate films burns hotter than gasoline and behaves like gunpowder.
- Self-Oxygenating Fires: Once ignited, the fire cannot be extinguished because it produces its own oxygen.
- Toxic Fumes: Burning nitrate releases nitric acid fumes, which are highly poisonous and can be fatal if inhaled.
- Fast & Violent Combustion: Fires spread rapidly and explosively.
The Association of Moving Image Archivists - Resource-Nitrate-Identifying-and-Handling
Waste Packaging:
- Use only DOT rated 5-gallon plastic containers with screw top.
- Label the container with a hazardous waste accumulation label and a DOT Class 4.1 label for flammable solids
Preparing Film
- Place the unwanted film in the container. Stop when the container is about 75% full.
- Add water to fully cover the film contents. The water must comprise at least 25% of the total weight of the container's contents.
- Do not transport waste nitrate film without water
- Seal the container and place in designated area.
Off-Campus locations are identified as Small Quantity Generators (SQG). UCLA Film & Television Archive
- Require a separate EPA ID number.
- Waste must be disposed of within 180 days.
- EH&S will coordinate with a licensed vendor for collection.
For compliance and safety, ensure all hazardous waste is properly labeled, stored, and reported according to UCLA EH&S guidelines.
On-Campus locations are identified as Satellite Accumulation Area (SAA).
- Waste must be disposed of within 90 days of accumulation.
- EH&S will arrange a pick-up.
UN Rated 1H2/Y1.5/30
Disposal
Once you are ready to dispose of your unwanted film and have identified it was waste contact:
