Procedures Guide for the Disposal of Hazardous Waste

Hazardous Waste Training
CEMS
Laboratory Safety
Chemical Hygiene Plan

 

Proper management of the hazardous waste generated in a lab is not only the right thing to do: it’s also the law. This waste is regulated at the federal (EPA) and state (DEP) level. Here are a few of the most important issues of managing hazardous waste in a laboratory.

Hazardous Waste Training

Need a refresher on WPI's Hazardous Waste Program? Feel free to review our Hazardous Waste Training at any time. 

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CONTACT
Office Location: 37 Lee Street - 105B
Phone: 508-831-4629

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

I have chemical waste I want gone.

On your CEMS dashboard, open the Hazardous Waste tab and click "request waste removal". Fill out the appropriate boxes and the waste will be removed within 3 days. 

What kind of container can I use to store waste?

All Hazardous waste containers must:

  • Be secure and in good condition
  • Be compatible with waste (e.g. a glass bottle cannot be used to store hydrofluoric acid waste! HF is a known glass etchant)
  • Have a screw cap - no corks or rubber stoppers.
  • Be kept closed at all times unless waste is being added.
    • If you have an HPLC and your waste bottle does not have a VOCLok cap, please reach out to EHS so we can get you one. 
Where can I find new waste containers?

Main Campus: Goddard Hall stockroom 

60 Prescott Street: Supply corner in 2225 

50 Prescott Street: Supply cabinet in the 4900 hallway 

How do I fill out the waste label?
  1. The location: Be specific. Give the building and room number.
  2. The Laboratory Supervisor: This individual can be the lab manager for a teaching lab, or the PI for a research lab.
  3. The components: List ALL chemical components.  Always estimate percentages of each component. Use full chemical names, chemical formulas or abbreviations are NOT allowed.
  4. Hazards: Check all hazards that are applicable to the waste generated.
  5. Date when full: Once the container is full, the label must be dated. This also helps EHS identify containers that are ready for pickup. 
I found some old waste and don't know what it is. What do I do?

If you found old chemical waste you do not recognize, please reach out to EHS.