Hazardous Waste Accumulation, Storage, and Labeling

Each department and individual who generates hazardous wastes is responsible for ensuring that those wastes are accumulated, stored, and disposed of in a safe and legal manner.

The procedures below will help generators in identifying requirements applicable to their wastes.  Any generator can also contact EHS at 372-7163 for assistance.

In order to properly manage their wastes, generators must be familiar with requirements for:

  • Waste containers
  • Waste container labeling
  • Satellite Accumulation
  • Reporting Wastes for Disposal

 


Before generating waste, the generator must select an appropriate container to receive the waste.  Containers must meet all of the following:

  • The container must be constructed of material that is compatible with the waste (will not react with or be degraded by the waste). Original manufacturer containers are ideal waste containers.
  • Containers must be in good condition, free of wear, cracks, or defects
  • Containers must have a tight fitting lid.  Screw caps are preferred.  Foil, parafilm, foam, and similar covers are not acceptable.  Waste containers attached to equipment, such as HPLCs, should have the fill lines plumbed through a stopper.
  • Waste containers must be cleaned and dried before receiving waste
  • Incompatible wastes must not be placed in the same container.
  • Separate waste streams must be placed in separate containers.  Different wastes cannot be combined.
  • Secondary containment must be provided.
  • Containers must be kept closed, except when adding or removing waste
  • Containers must be opened, handled, and stored in a manner which will prevent rupture or leakage
  • Highly reactive or explosive wastes must be stored separately, in accordance with requirements of the local fire code.
  • Containers must be properly labeled when they first receive any quantity of waste