Hazardous Waste

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Hazardous Waste Procedure

51°µÍø generates much of its hazardous waste in laboratories from both undergraduate and research labs. Most of this waste is generated gradually in small amounts and collected every time it is generated. If you are going to generate hazardous waste in your lab, you are required to set up an accumulation area for collection and to management it in compliance with all Maine DEP and Federal EPA regulations. If you need help, feel free to contact us.

What is Hazardous Waste?

Chemicals that are corrosive, flammable, toxic, or explosive are "hazardous." Some additional chemicals are handled as hazardous waste because they are carcinogenic, persistent in the environment, or are not allowed in the trash because they generate dusts.

If you are unwilling or unable to determine if your chemical or chemical mixture is hazardous, contact the Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS).

Waste Accumulation Rules

Follow the below Hazardous Waste Accumulation Rules. Violations of these rules can cost the University money and may be unsafe.

  1. Accumulate waste in a compatible container with a screw top lid. Containers that were designed for solid chemicals should not be used for liquids.
  2. Label all containers with a completed and secure with the 51°µÍø Hazardous Waste label.
  3. Leave some head space in the container for temperature and vapor pressure changes.
  4. Store waste in secondary containment to avoid spills into sinks and floor drains.
  5. Make sure the waste accumulation location is under your control (i.e., not in hallways.)
  6. Stay under maximum accumulation limits (54 gallons for most chemical waste, 1 quart for acutely hazardous waste).
  7. Do not accumulate the same type of waste into two containers at the same time.

If your waste is accumulated improperly, we will discuss the problem with you if you are present. We will not pick up your waste until the problem has been corrected. If you have any questions, please contact EHS.

See the online Hazardous Waste Training module through Blackboard which covers hazardous waste definitions, labeling, storage and disposal and should take only 10 to 20 minutes