Any chemical discarded or intended to be discarded is chemical waste.
HAZARDOUS chemical waste as designated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or State authority is waste that presents a danger to human health and/or the environment.
According to EPA regulations, there are four characteristics that define a waste as hazardous:
- Ignitability
- Corrosivity
- Reactivity
- Toxicity
In addition, there are lists of hundreds of other chemicals that EPA has determined to be hazardous waste.
Because of particular differences within some States, consult your State or regional EPA office to determine whether waste is considered hazardous and the requirements for storage and disposal.
For chemical waste, it may be best to use a log book to contain detailed lists of materials in a container labeled "organic waste", for example.
- Store all waste in containers that are in good condition and are compatible with their contents.
- Clearly and permanently label each container as to its contents and label as hazardous waste (refer to our article, Labeling Chemicals and Chemical Containers for specific information).
- Store waste in a designated area away from normal laboratory operations and to prevent unauthorized access.
- Store waste bottles away from sinks and floor drains.
- Do not completely fill waste bottles; leave several inches of space at the top of each waste container.
- Cap all waste bottles.
The EPA has written a comprehensive set of regulations that govern the management of hazardous waste from the point of generation to ultimate disposal (www.epa.gov/epaoswer/osw/conserve/clusters/schools/index.htm).
Generators of hazardous waste are responsible for ensuring proper disposal of their hazardous waste and can incur liability for improper disposal of their hazardous waste.
- Do not pour chemicals down the drain (unless authorized by local sewer authority).
- Do not treat hazardous waste on-site.
- Contact professional, licensed hazardous waste haulers/transporters that will ensure appropriate disposal.
This information is from the
School Chemistry Laboratory Safety Guide created by the U.S. Consumer Safety Product Commission (CPSC), Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
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