Hazardous Waste Management

What is Hazardous Waste EPA Definition: A material is a hazardous waste if due to its quantity, concentration, physical, chemical or infectious characteristics it possesses a substantial present, or potential hazard to human health and the environment and has no known use.

What chemical waste must be managed? Wastes that meet any of the following characteristics. Ignitable – Flashpoint of ≤ 140°F Corrosive – pH ≤2 or ≥ 12.5 Toxic – LD-50 < 5000 mg/kg Reactive – Reacts with anything

Common Wastes Solvents Paint Drain Cleaners Caustic Detergents Paint thinner Paint Drain Cleaners Caustic Detergents Used Oil Expired Pesticides Degreasers

Hazardous waste must not be disposed of on site. This includes Storm or Sewer Drains …The Dumpster

Satellite Accumulation These are areas within the studio that generate small quantities of Hazardous Waste. Definition: An Area that within 9 months accumulates- No more than 55 gallons of any hazardous waste stream. No more than 1 quart of any acutely or extremely hazardous waste stream.

Hazardous Waste Storage A funnel is not a cap Poor management of paint waste. Good Secondary Containment Waste containers must be keep closed/capped unless waste is being added or removed!

Hazardous Waste Storage Containers with closable/sealable lids or covers. Containers must be in good condition: no holes, creases, cracks, rust. Compatible to the waste stored in it. Container open with no label

Hazardous Waste Storage NO Food or Beverage Containers.

Waste Labeling Label must have the words: “Hazardous Waste” The name and address of the generator (SDSU) The waste composition and physical state Percent volume Type of Hazard, ie. Flammable, Corrosive, Toxic The accumulation start date (Month, Day, Year) Incomplete waste label -No Start Date -No percent volume -No hazards checked

Waste Labeling Needs improvement!! In other words, fill out the entire hazardous waste label!!

“Empty” Containers > 5 gallons in size which previously held hazardous materials must be managed as Hazardous Waste. < 5 gallons don’t need to be managed Empty containers of any size that previously held Highly toxic materials must be handled as hazardous waste. “Sodium azide”

“California Empty” Collect: Invert to dry: Deface: Dispose: Collect in a safe location away from foot traffic Invert to dry: Invert bottle over paper towels and shake to dry. (Do not air dry in fume hoods) Deface: Thoroughly deface the chemical label. Dispose: To dispose of the bottle call EH&S.

Waste Container removal Call EH&S Department x46778 or x46098 Never allow more than the maximum amounts to be accumulated. Satellite containers will be removed within 7 working days.

Waste Minimization Key methods for waste minimization Reduce Reuse Purchase only what you need Reuse Reuse empty containers to collect waste Subscribe to a rag reuse service Recycle Some waste oils and paints can be recycled Remember that Paper, Metals and some Plastics can be recycled

Chemical Spills Have a Spill Kit Ready Set-up kit for your specific needs Take inventory of the kit frequently Quickly replace used or missing items

Spill Response For Small Spills: Spills one gallon or less, clean the spill using the material in your spill kit. Don your proper protective equipment (PPE). Place contaminated material into your spill bag, seal, and attach a hazardous waste label. Request a waste pick up of the material from EH&S. Rats

Spill Response For Larger Spills: Contain the spill if possible, notify others in the area, and evacuate the area. Notify your safety officer or EH&S and the supervisor of the area. If after business hours, notify Public Safety (x1991).

Finally, If All Else Fails… Consult the Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Waste Management Practices Booklet provided by EH&S.

Frequently Asked Questions Q: How do I know if my waste product is actually hazardous? A: Other than going though a long and costly waste determination process, give the material to EH&S and let them make that determination.

Frequently Asked Questions Q: Do I need the exact percentage on the hazardous waste label? A: No, they can be done in percent ranges like 10-30%. If there are too many components and there is not enough room to list them, then list the three major components or any acute hazardous waste, no matter the amount.

Frequently Asked Questions Q: How do I know if a chemical is acutely hazardous waste? A: Acutely hazardous waste is given something called a P-code by the EPA and can be found at the following link: http://www.epa.gov/osw/hazwaste.htm and click on The P-list and the U-list. Or go to 40 CFR 261.33(e)

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