Storage of Chemical Waste

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. State and federal regulations stipulate how waste generators store chemical waste and require the following:

• Any container used to store hazardous waste must be labeled with the words "hazardous waste" (regardless of its location) as soon as accumulation begins. Labels for this purpose are available from EHS by calling 258-5294.
  
• Be sure that the container is compatible with the chemical waste.
  Use containers that are made of or lined with materials which will not react with, and are otherwise compatible with, the hazardous waste to be stored. For example, do not place hydrofluoric acid in glass. Often the original container is suitable.
  
• Waste containers must be closed at all times, except when being filled. Do not leave funnels in the containers.
  
• Be sure that containers in the waste storage area do not leak. Consider the use of secondary containment, such as a tray, larger container or basin. If a leaking container is found, immediately clean up any spilled material according to established spill cleanup procedures and transfer the waste into a container that is in good condition.
  
• No more than one quart of an acutely hazardous waste (P-listed wastes) or 55 gallons of other hazardous wastes may be stored (per waste stream) in the waste storage area. If this threshold quantity is reached, the worker must transfer the waste to a 90-day storage area or send it out to an off-site authorized commercial facility within three days. The container must bear a hazardous waste label with the accumulation date (either the date the threshold quantity was reached or the date it was placed in the 90-day storage area) marked on the container.
  
• Like any chemical storage in the laboratory or work area, be sure to segregate the containers according to the type of waste.
  
• Waste stored near drains (floor, sink, cup sink) should have secondary containment. If you have a sink or drain that is not in use, contact maintenance to explore possibilities for plugging or sealing the drain. Secondary containers must be compatible with the waste. Contact EHS for more information.

90-Day Storage Areas

There are three 90-day storage areas on campus. Wastes stored in these rooms will shipped to an off-site authorized commercial facility within 90 days from the accumulation date.

The first is operated by the Chemistry Department, located in rooms R-1 and R-3 on the Frick loading dock. Any storage of wastes in these rooms must be approved by Kevin Wilkes (258-3920) or George Barker (258-6651). Storage is limited to wastes generated in Frick, New Frick, Hoyt and Green Halls and 185 Nassau St.

The second is operated by the Molecular Biology Department, located in room R032 on the Lewis Thomas Lab loading dock. Storage of waste in this room must be approved by Michael Fredericks (8-1351) or Andrew States (8-1991) for Mol-Bio, Robert Koenigsmark (8-4123) for GeoSciences, Richard Smith (8-3867) for EEB. Storage is limited to wastes generated in Lewis Thomas, Schultz, Moffett and Guyot Halls.

The third is operated by the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, located in room 7 on the E-Quad loading dock. Storage of waste in this room must be approved by Joe Laskow (258-4739) or Joe Palmer. Storage is limited to wastes generated in E-Quad and Bowen Hall.

If there is a possibility of exceeding the threshold quantity of hazardous waste in a particular waste storage area and a 90-day storage area is not available to you, please contact EHS immediately at 258-5294.

Please see the text of the USEPA requirements for hazardous waste storage for more information. The penalties for noncompliance with the hazardous waste regulations can be severe. If you have questions about how to apply these regulations to your particular circumstances, contact James Boehlert at 258-7882.