Hazardous Waste

Hazardous waste is an unwanted product that poses a threat to human or environmental health. It legally cannot be released to the environment (i.e. down drains, in the sewage systems, or allowed to evaporate into the atmosphere).

How can you tell if your waste is hazardous?

• By checking the manufacturer’s bottle. It will list the hazards there.
• Check the Material Safety Data Sheet. It will indicate if the chemical is toxic, flammable, corrosive or reactive.
• Contact EH&S Office if you still are unable to determine if the chemical has hazardous characteristics.

Characteristics of hazardous waste:

Corrosives – pH less than 2.5 or greater than 12
Flammables – flash point less than 140 degrees or solids that will ignite spontaneously through friction. (Flammables includes liquids, solids and gases)
Reactivity – reacts violently with air or water, or when dried out. Others may react dangerously when exposed to light or oxygen.
Toxic – poisonous chemicals

Hazardous waste requirements

• Identify chemical wastes
• Mark all hazardous wastes with the words “hazardous waste”
• Store all wastes in a container that has no damage or leaks
• Keep container closed at all times except when adding waste
• Accumulate less than 55 gallons at one time

Hazardous waste accumulation:
Appropriate containers

• Certain chemicals are incompatible with container materials. Most chemicals cannot be stored in plastic containers. The best container for most chemicals is glass, although metal will work well for specific chemicals.
• The container you use must be able to withstand the trip to the disposal facility. Please choose accordingly.
• Condition, compatibility, management, inspection, special requirements

Labeling

• All hazardous waste must have be labeled with the “Hazardous Waste” label, and write the start date, and contents on the label.
• If you do not label your waste containers, then this waste cannot be disposed of until proper analyzing has been done to determine the contents. The cost to analyze the contents will be charged to your department.
• Labels are available from the EH&S Office.

How to dispose of hazardous waste:
Affix a label with the name of the chemical and the date accumulation started.

Fill out a chemical disposition form. (Available from the EH&S Office and the EH&S website.) Send the form to the EH&S Office.

Keep in mind that you should get rid of a chemical:

• When it expires
• When it no longer has a useful purpose
• If the contents appear cloudy or hazy

Further Information

View the Chemical Disposal Fact Sheet to learn more.

Check out the Hazardous Waste Disposal Site for more info on how to dispose of chemicals and other work-related products.

Questions? Contact Environmental Health & Safety