When to Dispose of Your Waste
All containers must be disposed of within 90 days no matter how full.
Dispose of containers when:
- 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
- Reused containers are available by request, email to request a container at your next pick up: Email Us
Storage
- Designate a location in your lab to store your hazardous chemical waste.
- 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 you lab (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:
How to Prepare Your Waste
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 or porous materials
Note: Wastes stored in labware (e.g. test tubes, beakers, and flasks) and sealed with a stopper or parafilm will not be accepted.
- Drums are available for consolidation.
- There is a limited of 55 gal. total hazardous waste per SAA (see storage limits above).
- Once a drum is started, it must be labeled with a hazardous WASTe Tag.
- Keep the drum closed when not in use.
- Drum 90% full must be disposed for within 3 days
- Drum must be disposed of within 90 days no matter how full.
- To request a collection drum or to coordinate delivery and retrieval Email: hazardousmaterials@ehs.ucla.edu(link sends email)
- Fees may apply for pick up and supplies. Visit EH&S Service Rates and Fees
Hazardous Chemical Waste Management Resource
The Chemical Hygiene Plan fully describes "Hazardous Chemical Waste Management" expectation in Chapter 5.
Chemical Hygiene Plan
