Chemical Waste

Chemical Waste Assistance:  Ext. 6652 or Ext. 3040

Hazardous & Regulated Waste Removal Form

Regulated hazardous waste are those that are specifically listed by EPA or MDE as a hazardous waste, or that meet one or more of the hazardous waste characteristics or is a regulated mixture of hazardous and non-hazardous waste.  RCRA Subtitle C, Section 3001, Part 261, Subpart D lists wastes from unspecific sources (F list), specific sources (K list), residues from production of chemicals (U list), and acute hazardous wastes (P list).  The characteristics of hazardous wastes are flammability, ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, and toxicity.

Waste chemicals not covered by the hazardous waste regulations are collected at UMES and disposed of in a safe manner, regardless of legal status.

Non-radioactive materials contaminated with hazardous chemicals:

  • Waste and opened surplus chemicals
  • Broken thermometers and other items containing mercury
  • Pesticides
  • Nonreturnable gas cylinders and lecture bottles
  • Non-radioactive lead shielding and lead scrap
  • Photographic film processing solutions
  • Spent solvents
  • Residue of spill materials
  • Contaminated, used pump and/or mineral oils
  • Batteries

Packaging and Disposal

General InstructionsDo NOT discard waste chemicals as General or Biological Waste, or pour down sink drains.
All waste containers must be in good condition before removal for disposal.  Chemical waste in containers that are bulging, rusted, cracked, or have improper or missing tops must be transferred to an appropriate container in good condition.
All waste containers must be placed and stored in secondary containment trays until removal.
All waste containers must be kept closed except when adding waste to the container.
Containers of incompatible waste must be kept separated using the secondary containment trays; Do not combine incompatible chemicals in the same container.
Do not place heavy metals compounds, oxidizers, phenols, strong acids, or bases in the solvent containers.
All waste containers must be labeled “Hazardous Waste” and labeling must include the chemical constituents (in English) and percentages.  Trade names and chemical formulas are not permitted.
Do not place waste containers in hallways or corridors.
Complete and submit the Hazardous & Regulated Waste Removal Form to EHS for disposal.
Chemical Waste in Original Container  Follow General Instructions
Chemical Waste in Other than the Original ContainerDeface all container labels that list any and all chemical constituents within the container.Follow General Instructions.
Flammable Solvents or Aqueous Mixtures containing Flammable SolventsSegregate halogenated solvents from non-halogenated solvents.
Do not mix contaminated solvents with aqueous solvent mixtures.
Follow General Instructions.
Chemically Contaminated Solid WasteContaminated solid waste must be placed in sturdy containment for removal and disposal.  A plastic-lined cardboard box or a 5-gallon pail will suffice this requirement.
Follow General Instructions.
Batteries (Lead-acid, NiCds, etc.)Do not remove or dispose of unknown or unlabeled batteries.  Segregate batteries into the following groups:Alkaline, Dry Cell, and Metal Hydride
Lithium Ion
Nickel-cadmium
Silver Oxide
Lead-Acid
Mercury
Follow General Instructions. 
Empty Chemical Bottles & ContainersDeface all chemical identification markings on the empty bottles and containers.
Place the empty bottles and containers in the building dumpster.
Some chemical bottles and containers must be triple rinsed before disposal.  The rinsate must be collected and disposed of via EHS.  Contact EHS (Ext. 6652) for guidance.
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