Hazardous Waste Management Unit

Can I pour my chemical waste down the drain?

Drain disposal of chemicals at the University is regulated by the county sewer use law. Any chemical wastes that are drain disposed must be in conformance with these regulations. Unless you have written permission from the county to drain dispose specific chemicals, contact the Hazardous Waste Management Unit for a determination. Otherwise collect the waste in accordance with the University guidelines found on the Hazardous Waste Management Unit's Web page.

Does my chemical waste need to be tagged with a waste tag?

Yes. A hazardous waste tag must be filled out by the generator and attached to each container of hazardous waste. The information on the hazardous waste tag is entered into a computer database that is used to track the waste in accordance with state and federal law. The hazardous waste tag must accurately reflect the contents of the container. Improperly labeled waste containers are dangerous and a serious violation of New York State and federal EPA law.

What if I don't know what is in the waste I'm disposing?

Please contact us for help and safe removal. Please note that University personnel are responsible for identifying and labeling the chemical containers in their work areas and maintaining those labels. Please make every effort to identify the contents of an "unknown" waste prior to calling for its disposal. Staff members from the Hazardous Waste Management Unit can be of assistance in helping you to identify many unknowns. Truly "unknown" materials that cannot be identified are often quite expensive to dispose of.

How much does it cost me to dispose of waste?

Individual labs or departments are not typically billed directly for this service. In some unusual cases, the disposal of wastes may be charged directly to a project or special cost center. Such cases may include construction/renovation or other project in which waste disposal costs were included in project-specific funding.

What should I do with my old computer equipment?

State and federal agencies have determined that most computers (including CPUs and monitors) contain too much lead and mercury to allow them to be disposed of in the normal trash. Electronic equipment must be recycled or disposed of as hazardous waste. Discarded computer equipment at the University is collected, stored, and shipped for recycling. Unwanted computer equipment from the Medical Center should be given to Environmental Services (Housekeeping) staff for disposal. Other areas of the University can arrange for pickup of their unwanted electronic wastes by calling the River Campus Support Operation's customer service at x3-4567 to schedule a pickup by the Furniture and Properties Group.

Where do I get hazardous waste tags?

Waste tags are available in the Medical Center on a rack outside the Radiation Safety Office (G-8842). Others needing waste tags can call x5-2056 to have them mailed through the interdepartmental mail. The Hazardous Waste technicians would typically have some on their cart when picking up waste.

Do you take radioactive or medical wastes?

The Hazardous Waste Management Unit does not accept radioactive or medical waste. Radioactive wastes are managed through the Radiation Safety Unit. For a medical waste pickup at the Medical Center, please contact Environmental Services (Housekeeping). If you are located on River Campus, contact the Support Operations customer service center (x3-4567) to arrange for a pickup. Please contact your building supervisor for more information about medical waste disposal from your facility.

What happens to my waste after you pick it up?

Hazardous wastes are packaged and transported by the Hazardous Waste Management Unit to the University's hazardous waste storage facility located on the River Campus. At the facility, wastes are classified, segregated, and stored in accordance with local, state, and federal laws. All hazardous waste entering the facility must be disposed of onsite or shipped to a hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facility within 90 days. Disposal decisions are made using the following hierarchy of choices (in order of preference): reducing waste generation at the source, beneficial reuse, recycle, incinerate, treat, and, lastly, landfill. All disposal decisions are made in accordance with local, state, and federal laws.

What can I do to minimize the generation of hazardous wastes in my area?

Waste minimization at the source of generation is the preferred strategy for managing hazardous wastes. Individuals can help achieve waste minimization by recycling and changing work practices to become less wasteful. For starters, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Am I buying wisely? (Remember that disposal costs are sometimes more than the original purchase price for many chemicals. Bulk purchases of chemicals offer no deal if the excess stock is given up for disposal of unused chemicals.)
2. Am I rotating my stock to avoid outdated chemicals?
3. Am I properly storing my chemicals to prevent aging or, worse yet, spills and fires?
4. Do people in my lab know what to do in the event of a spill to minimize personal danger and the volume of waste material generated as a result of such spills?
5. Am I planning the experiments with waste minimization in mind?
6. Can I substitute non- or less-hazardous materials during any step of an experiment?
7. Do people in my lab know what is and what isn't a "hazardous chemical?"
8. Does the protocol in my lab include proper waste segregation and containerization so that disposal options can remain clearer and more cost effective?
9. Are the facts on my waste tags true and complete?
10. Do I prevent "unknowns" by keeping containers labeled?
11. Do I ever look internally for a needed chemical before buying a fresh bottle?
12. Have I explored possible new procedures and/or equipment modifications aimed at reducing waste generation?
13. Do I have other ideas? Have I shared them?

What should I do if I have a spill?

Spills can be classified as either a minor cleanup procedure or a major spill. Minor cleanup procedures do not expose laboratory employees to any additional chemical exposures and should be cleaned up immediately by the laboratory staff wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment. Many hazardous substances necessitate special cleanup procedures to minimize hazards to cleanup personnel. Major spill cleanup should not be attempted by laboratory personnel. Contact Security (x13) to arrange for the University's Spill Response Team.