• Accumulation
• Storage
• Disposal

Accumulation

Place chemical waste in sealable containers compatible with the waste. Waste containers should be filled, when possible, leaving headspace for expansion of the contents. The original container of the virgin material is acceptable.

Bulking routinely generated waste streams is encouraged; EHS provides 5 gallon carboys at no cost to the labs. Similar wastes may be mixed if they are compatible (e.g. non-halogenated solvents).

Keep containers closed except when filling. Do not leave a hazardous waste container with a funnel in it. 

Label waste containers as soon as they contain waste. Containers holding hazardous waste must be labeled with the words HAZARDOUS WASTE and with the names of the principal chemical constituents and the approximate percentage.

• EHS recommends the use of our preprinted labels. Contact EHS for waste labels.
• Use IUPAC or full chemical names (in English); no abbreviations, symbols, structural diagrams or product trade names.
• Labels must be legible should include contact information of the generator.  

Storage

Containers of hazardous waste may be stored in an area of a laboratory or facilities operation near the point of generation. This area must be controlled by the principal investigator or workers generating the waste. NJDEP and EPA  require the following:​

• Be sure that containers do not leak. Use secondary containment near sinks and floor drains.
• No more than one quart of an acutely hazardous waste (P-listed wastes) or 55 gallons of other hazardous wastes may be stored in the accumulation area. If this threshold quantity is reached, the worker must transfer the waste to a 90-day storage area. Contact EHS immediately. 
• Segregate incompatible wastes. 
• Must be capped at all times, unless actively using container.

Disposal 

Disposal Policy

Responsibility for classifying waste as hazardous waste rests with the generator. The federally established scheme for this determination is described below in Hazardous Waste Determination. EHS can assist in making the determination.

The costs of routine chemical waste disposal are not charged back to generators. The costs associated with characterizing mismanaged materials and for disposing of improperly stored materials (e.g., outdated peroxidizable ethers, dry picric acid, deteriorated or unlabeled containers) are borne by the generator’s department by EHS discretion.

See Waste Removal and Pick-up for more information.