How do I tell if my waste is hazardous?
EH&S can provide a hazardous waste determination in a matter of minutes.
Chemical users should know the hazards of chemicals they use. To help, look at the original container - it should indicate any major hazards.
Chemical hazard information can be found on a chemical's Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Vendors include the SDS when they ship chemicals. You should maintain access to SDS's in an accessible place in the laboratory.
The next five pages outline the types of information that you should look for on the SDS.
Here's how the original federal law (RCRA) defined hazardous waste:
A solid waste, or combination of solid wastes, which because of its quantity, concentration, or physical, chemical, or infectious characteristics may:
- Cause or significantly contribute to an increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible, or incapacitating reversible illness; or
- Pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, disposed of, or otherwise managed.
("Solid waste" is a regulatory term that includes liquids.)