In early 2016, The US Environmental Protection Agency issued updated waste regulations called the Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Rule. North Carolina will officially adopt those rules on March 1, 2018. Included in the updated regulations are new requirements for:
- When waste determinations are conducted
- Labeling of waste containers
- Time limits for waste accumulation
- Yearly cleanouts for Remote Facilities (if not on a regular pickup schedule)
- Quick Reference Guide for emergency responders for all waste collection areas on campus
Due to these changes, NCSU is opting in to 40 CFR 262 Subpart K (Subpart K) – Alternative Requirements for Hazardous Waste Determination and Accumulation of Unwanted Material for Laboratories Owned by Eligible Academic Entities. Opting into Subpart K, allows NCSU greater flexibility in laboratory waste management (and areas that support them) and removes the requirement for laboratories to be included in the Quick Reference Guide. Therefore, as of March 1, 2018, all laboratories and areas that support them will now manage their chemical wastes under Subpart K. Non-laboratory areas will manage their waste under the Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Rule.
- New classes have been developed for Non-Laboratory Hazardous Waste Training to disseminate information on the new regulations for compliant waste management for non-lab (Facilities, Athletics, Dining, Housekeeping, etc.) users.
- All Laboratory personnel MUST take the new Laboratory Chemical Waste Management Training which is available on line.
- Laboratory signs can be downloaded below
Personnel in those areas mentioned above should retake this training as there are major waste management changes under the new rule. In-person training is available upon request. Contact env-health-haz-waste@ncsu.edu for assistance.
Link to new Laboratory Management Plan
Also, as of March 2018, a new Waste Management software package EHSA will be in use.