Chemical Waste
The provisions of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and the Hazardous Waste Generator Improvement Rule (40 CFR 260 – 265) require generators of hazardous waste to properly manage hazardous waste generated under their control. These documents are the basis for the Hazardous Waste Management Plan (HWMP) for North Carolina State University (NC State). Also, NC State has opted 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. Waste generated within a laboratory is regulated by Subpart K and managed under the Laboratory Waste Management Plan. Non-laboratory areas will manage their waste under the Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Rule.
Trainings available via REPORTER:
- All Laboratory personnel MUST take the new Laboratory Chemical Waste Management Training which is available on line.
- 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, Environmental Services, etc.) users.
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.
EHSA is the university’s web submission and tracking database and fulfills the Environmental Protection Agency’s regulated requirements involving the tracking of waste from initial use to final disposal.
All university Chemical Wastes must be submitted for pickup via EHSA
Management of chemical waste in different work environments requires understanding regulations and applying best practices. Review the laboratory waste generation and storage quick facts for most common violations cited by regulators and associated guidance.
Unwanted Material Satellite Accumulation Storage sign
Self audit checklist for laboratory unwanted materials
Hazardous waste is picked up on a routine scheduled basis. Special projects may require additional scheduling and should be scheduled ahead of time.
Surplus Guidelines – Some equipment and material may not be appropriate for resale due to the presence of hazardous materials, characteristics, or regulatory constraints. It is the responsibility of the equipment owner to ensure that all oils, coolants, and other hazardous materials have been removed prior to submitting the item for disposition through surplus. Items that may be contaminated by chemical, biological, or radioactive material must be cleaned and inspected prior to submission to surplus.