How should hazardous wastes be handled before removal from the facility?

The handling of hazardous wastes before they are removed from a facility is crucial to ensure the safety of personnel, the environment, and compliance with regulatory requirements. Rendering hazardous wastes safe typically involves treating or processing waste materials to neutralize their harmful properties. This could include procedures such as neutralization of harmful chemicals, incineration, or any other method that mitigates the risks associated with the waste.

Proper handling not only protects the health and safety of individuals who might interact with the waste but also prepares the materials for safe disposal or recycling. It demonstrates a responsible approach to dealing with potentially dangerous substances by reducing their threat before they are transported off-site.

Storing hazardous wastes safely, while also an important consideration, does not address the specific need to render wastes safe before transport. The focus on immediate disposal doesn't allow for adequate safety measures and could lead to environmental contamination. Contacting authorities may be necessary for compliance or reporting but does not encapsulate the proactive approach of ensuring the waste is safe before its removal. Thus, the most comprehensive and correct choice involves the active measure of rendering the waste safe, which reflects best practices in waste management within an IACUC framework.