Hazardous Waste Storage & Labeling

Hazardous Waste Storage & Labeling

Labeling Information

  • View the EH&S Waste Label
    Note: Users may put the specific facility location into WASTe, and the label will print with the address on it.

Labeling Requirements

Safety Net #110 contains detailed instruction on how to properly complete the waste label.

To comply with regulations regarding the accumulation of hazardous waste on-site, all hazardous waste must be labeled with the following information:

  • The words "Hazardous Waste"
  • name and address of generator
  • date of initial accumulation
  • date that the 90-day period begins
  • the composition and physical state of the waste
  • a statement which calls to attention the particular hazardous properties of the waste.

Containers must be labeled and dated as soon as you begin accumulating the waste. For unused chemicals, the accumulation date would be the date that the label is applied. If you have an unknown chemical, write "unknown" as the composition, but indicate any information you may have as to its physical properties or possible identity. For waste solvent collection bottles, list all chemicals on the label as they are added and calculate the percent composition after the bottle is filled. 

Accumulation Time

Under no circumstances can hazardous waste be accumulated on campus for more than one year. Since this one year period includes 90 days that EH&S may have to store it at the Environmental Services Facility prior to shipment, hazardous wastes should not be accumulated in laboratories for more than nine months.

There is one major exception to the maximum accumulation period of one year. Some extremely hazardous wastes such as hydrofluroic acid, arsenic or cyanide-containing wastes, may not be accumulated for more than 90 days if certain volume limits are exceeded. For this reason, EH&S advises removal of all hazardous waste as soon as containers are full or at least every 90 days.

If your laboratory generates wastes in small quantities, or at low rates, and you wish to accumulate your waste for up to nine months, please contact EH&S to make sure that your waste is not extremely hazardous.

Proper Storage and Segregation

  • All hazardous wastes must be stored in suitable containers in good condition, that are compatible with the chemical contents of the waste. The waste container must be sealed at all times unless waste is being added or removed. A secondary container should be used to contain the material in case the primary container is overfilled or fails. Leave ample head space in all liquid waste containers to allow for expansion.
  • All waste streams should be segregated and properly stored to insure that chemical reactions will not occur if containers were to fail. Information to assist you in segregation can be found on material safety data sheets and/or chemical references. Contact EH&S before mixing compatible waste streams. There may be limitations imposed by the chemical profile for the waste stream, or the treatment technology used to process the waste.
  • Maintain your waste in a secure area. Access to waste containers should be limited to personnel who are properly trained in your facility's chemical hygiene, and emergency contingency plans.

Hazardous Waste Label (.pdf) sample

Empty Hazardous Material Container Management

  • At no time should full or partially full containers be placed in the trash.
  • EH&S recommends reusing or recycling empty containers whenever possible.  Safety Net #124 provides detailed information on the management of empty containers.
  • Any container that held an Acutely or Extremely Hazardous Waste by managed by EH&S.
  • Compressed gas cylinders should be returned to the manufacturer whenever possible.
  • Lecture bottle and non returnable cylinders must be managed by EH&S.
  • Aerosol cans that previously contained hazardous materials must be managed by EH&S

To be considered empty:

  • Liquid container - no liquid can drain from the container when tilted in any direction.
  • Solid container - (powder, sludge, grease, thick resin, crystals, etc.) - the walls of the container must be scraped clean and cannot contain any adhered or encrusted materials.
  • Aerosol container - must have its contents and pressure completely dispensed, the spray mechanism in place and functional.

For additional information on Hazardous Waste Management and Minimization Training click here.