The following section describes the requirements for the accumulation and storage of chemical waste in your area.  Additional requirements may apply for specific waste streams.

Containers

• All waste must be in containers. 

Select an appropriate and compatible container for the waste.  Usually the original container of the main component of the waste can be used.  However, do not use metal containers for corrosive waste or glass containers for waste containing hydrofluoric acid.  For liquids waste, use a container designed for liquids. 

Chemical waste in labware (ex. test tubes, flasks, etc...) and/ or small containers (that are too small for a label) of waste must be transferred to suitable containers.  

• Cap and close the containers at all times. 

The chemical waste container must be tightly capped with a tight fitting lid or cap at all times except when adding waste.  Tight fitting corks, parafilm, foil, stoppers or funnels are not acceptable.

• All containers must be in good condition and not leaking. 

Containers must be clean, without chemical residue on the outside, leak proof, and have an appropriate lid to secure the contents of the container.  If a container holding waste is not in good condition, or if it begins to leak, the generator must transfer the waste to a container that is in good condition.  If a leak or spills occur, all evidence of leakage and all spilled material must be immediately and properly cleaned up. 

• All containers must be under the control of the generator and stored in a manner that will not cause them to spill or leak. 

Close all containers with an appropriate lid, cap or other suitable device that is compatible with and will contain the waste during normal handling and storage.

 Store containers upright and place securely on a shelf, floor or countertop when adding waste.  Do not place containers in areas such as hallways, doorways, sinks, or next to moving equipment where the chance of spills is likely.  Never locate containers in public areas such as hallways, classroom, or reception areas.

• All waste containers must be stored in suitable and compatible secondary containment.
• Allow approximately 10% of head space for temperature and pressure changes.
• All waste containers must be stored in a manner that readily allows for inspection.

Labeling

• Label all hazardous waste containers with an EHRS approved “HAZARDOUS WASTE” label.  Self adhesive Hazardous Waste labels are available through EHRS.  

All labels must contain the words “Hazardous Waste”, the proper chemical name(s), the percent composition of all constituents, principal investigators/supervisors name, phone number, date (container is full), campus, building and room number. In addition, all applicable hazard/physical characteristics must be checked off on the label.

• All mixtures must be labeled in a percentage format adding up to 100%.  The percentage of each chemical should be accurate but can be rounded up to the nearest whole number. For example, 0.01% Chloroform can be listed on a pickup request form as “Trace Chloroform”, or “<1% Chloroform”. 

• For mixtures with numerous constituents, only the most abundant 5-10 items need to be listed unless the mixture contains one of the compounds listed below.  These constituents must be included even in trace amounts.

• Spell out all chemical names. Chemical formula, symbols, acronyms and abbreviations are unacceptable.
• All labels must be immediately attached to a waste container and contents indicated as soon as waste is added.
• All labels must be accurate, legible and all fields must be complete.
• Small individual containers (of the same waste stream) or if the container is too small for a label must be placed into place into a larger container, sealed and then properly labeled.
• A small EHRS approved “Hazardous Waste” label is sufficient for discarded or unwanted pure chemicals and trade products in their original labeled container. The label must not conceal or cover any of the original label chemical name and/or hazard information.    

Hazardous Waste Label

Small Hazardous Waste Label

Segregation

Chemicals should be segregated according to compatibility. For example, segregate acids from bases and segregate oxidizers from fuels, solvents, and other organics. Carefully read the manufacturer’s label and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for information on safe storage and incompatibilities. Storage of materials by hazard groups reduces the risk of fire or explosive reactions.

Related Information

E-mail EHRS

Phone: 2-2520 or 215-707-2520 (off campus)