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In light the recent chemical spill in Smith Hall and MnSCU schools penalized for hazardous waste violations, Facilities Management's Safety Program administrators would like employees to review the Waste Chemical Disposal and Recycling Guidelines.
Items must be managed as a hazardous waste if they exhibit hazardous characteristics or are specifically listed in federal or state regulations. Hazardous waste can come in any form -- solid, liquid or gas. Waste is considered hazardous if it has one or more of the following characteristics: ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity or toxicity and is dangerous or potentially harmful to human health or the environment.
Once a waste has been determined to be hazardous, it cannot be disposed of through the regular trash stream. Please review the following steps for disposal of hazardous waste:
Bring to Hazardous Waste Collection Location
Facilities Management has six primary hazardous waste storage sites located throughout campus. These storage sites require a weekly inspection:
Record on Disposal Log
As wastes are brought into one of the six storage sites, record them on the Disposal Log located in the room.
Package the Waste
Place waste in appropriate container or properly package. Pack to avoid breakage and if contents could leak, line boxes with heavy plastic bags. Tape boxes closed and tighten drum caps
Some waste can be combined into large drums for disposal, including used oil, lamp ballasts, used paint thinner and used paint cans. All containers of waste must be stored in the closed position, except when adding or removing waste. Make sure the container and lid used to store hazardous waste is compatible with the waste.
Label the Waste
All hazardous waste containers must be labeled to show the contents. Yellow Hazardous Waste Labels are located in the storage sites and supplied by the Chemical Waste Program. To obtain more of the yellow hazardous waste labels, contact the Chemical Waste Program at hazwaste@umn.edu or (612) 624-6060. The following procedures should be carried out to ensure proper labeling and safe handling of collection containers:
Use Secondary Containment Where Necessary
Lead acid batteries and containers holding liquids or materials that can leak must be stored in secondary containment. Secondary containment trays are available through University Stores (612) 624-4878, part no. CX18999. When preparing lead acid batteries for pick up by the Chemical Waste Program they should be placed upright in a sturdy, plastic-lined box, plastic pail with secure lid or drum. Containers holding liquids or materials that can leak must be stored upright in a plastic tray.
Separate Incompatible Waste
Segregate incompatible chemicals into separate containers and separate containers by tray, cabinet and/or wall. Especially keep the following items separate:
Call FM Safety (612-685-6007) or DEHS (612-626-1604) if unsure about whether items are compatible.
Complete/Send Waste Packing Form
After taking inventory of the container and properly packaging the waste, complete a hazardous waste packing form. The pink page should be attached to the container holding the waste and the top two (white and yellow) pages of the waste packing form should be sent to:
CAMPUS MAIL
Chemical Waste Program
TCEM 2681
Dept. of Env. Health & Safety
US MAIL
Chemical Waste Program
University of Minnesota
501- 23rd Avenue SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455-0447
For more detailed information please view the entire Waste Chemical Disposal and Recycling Guidelines presentation presented by FM's Safety Program administrators or contact FM Safety (612-685-6007).
