IBM 3590 - Manual (Page 117)

Environment
Unrecorded and packaged IBM cartridges can be exposed, for up to six days,
to the following environment during shipment:
v -23.3°C to 48.9°C (-10°F to 120°F) dry bulb
v 5 to 80 percent of relative humidity
v 26.7°C (80°F) maximum wet bulb.
Recorded and packaged IBM cartridges can be exposed to the following
environment, not to exceed 10 days, without risk of damage during shipment:
v 4.4°C to 37.8°C (40°F to 100°F) dry bulb
v 5 to 80 percent of relative humidity
v 25.6°C (78°F) maximum wet bulb
Note: Condition the cartridges in the operating environment for at least 24
hours before using them.
Cartridge Data Security and Cartridge Disposal
Data Security
Cartridge Degaussing
Data stored on the 3590 tape cartridges can be erased, which makes the tape
cartridge unusable. If the tape cartridge is to be disposed in a secure manner,
erase the data on cartridges by using a high-energy ac degausser. (A
minimum of 1200 oersted peak field over the entire space to the cartridge
occupies.)
Cartridge Burning
If you burn the cartridges and the tape, you must ensure that the incineration
complies with all applicable regulations.
Cartridge Disposal
Under the current rules of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
regulation 40CFR261, the IBM magnetic tape cartridge is classified as
non-hazardous waste. As such, it may be disposed in the same way as normal
office trash. Because these regulations are amended from time to time, they
should be reviewed at the time of disposal.
If your local, state, or country (non-U.S.A.) regulations are more restrictive
than EPA 40CFR261; and they must be reviewed before disposing of
cartridges. You may contact your account representative for information about
the materials that are in the cartridge assembly.
Chapter 9. Environmental and Shipping Information 97