When to Dispose of Your Waste
All containers must be disposed of within 90 days no matter how full.
Frequent disposal will ensure that amounts of waste stored in labs are kept at minimal levels and clear up space in your lab.
You should dispose of your containers when:
- your container is "full", (liquids 90% full, sharps 2/3 full)
- drums must be turned in within 3 days once identified as "full"
- once an experiment or process is completed
- before it is too heavy to move
How to Prepare Your Waste
UCLA uses the UC system-wide Waste Accumulation Storage Tracking electronically called WASTe.
WASTe Portal
For information on how to generate a tag visit the following page:
How to generate a WASTe Label
Labeling steps:
1. Generate Tag label
2. Place label in a clear envelope pouch (you can get some from our team at pick up)
3. Write the date your drop it off on the outside of clear pouch
Location:
Designate a location in your lab to store your hazardous chemical waste. This location is considered a Satellite Accumulation Area (SAA) by the EPA. Waste can only be stored for 90 days.
Refrain from storing waste under sinks. Limited quantities of waste can be stored in a fume hood as long as it does not impede functionality. Try to collected/stored your waste near the point of generation. Periodically check location(s) for conditions of waste containers for signs of leaks, corrosion or deterioration.
Maximum total amounts of waste that can be stored in an SAA:
| Amount | TyPE | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 55 gallon | regular hazardous chemical waste | submit for disposal within 3 days |
| 1 quart | extremely hazardous waste | submit for disposal within 3 days. |
| Container > 4L | flammable solvents | store within flammable storage cabinet |
The table above outlines the EPA limits associated with waste accumulation at your SAA. Chemical waste amounts also count towards the maximum allowable quantities (MAQs) permitted by California Fire Code (CFC). For more information about MAQs visit our resource page:
All hazardous materials must be managed in a manner that prevents spills and uncontrolled reactions.
Stored chemicals and waste should be segregated by hazard classification. Each hazard class should have a separate secondary container.
Segregate:
- acids from bases
- flammables from oxidizers
- organic acids from inorganic acids
- oxidizers from organics
- cyanides from acids
Your Containers Must Be:
- Free of exterior contamination
- Labeled with a WASTe tag at all times
- Chemically compatible with the material of the storage container (Chemical Resistance Information For Bottles, Containers & Safety Cans)
- Stored in container size suitable for the material stored, be mindful of the weight of your material don't use containers that are too big
- Closed when not in used
- Never use cardboard
Note: Wastes stored in labware (e.g. test tubes, beakers, and flasks) and sealed with a stopper or parafilm will not be accepted.
Hazardous Chemical Waste Management Resource
The Chemical Hygiene Plan fully describes "Hazardous Chemical Waste Management" expectation in Chapter 5.
Chemical Hygiene Plan
