Chemical Waste - Guidance
Generators of hazardous waste are required to comply with extensive and complex rules and regulations promulgated by federal, state and local regulatory agencies. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) requires a "cradle to grave" system of accounting for hazardous waste; the Department of Transportation requires compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations during transportation of hazardous waste; the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality licenses, inspects and regulates generators, haulers and disposal facilities handling hazardous waste.
The safety guidelines, regulations and procedures presented are intended to help generators comply with governmental rules and regulations designed to protect human health and the environment. Strict compliance with these regulations ensures the waste is managed, transported, and disposed of safely and properly while reducing potential liability to the University.
- Use waste containers that are in good condition to ensure that your waste is safely contained while in your possession and during transport.
- Attach a completed University of Michigan - Dearborn "Hazardous Waste" label to your container. This helps emergency responders identify your waste containers quickly.
- Keep all containers closed expect when adding waste to prevent accidental spills and evaporation.
- Contact EHS (313) 593-0921 within 60 days of accumulation start date to schedule a pick up to ensure that waste is disposed of before 90 days.
- Have waste labels visible for inspection.
- Provide adequate secondary containment for waste containers so that if your container starts to leak, the spill can be limited from spreading and making the contamination problems larger.
- Identify all chemicals and document them on the waste label and manifest so that all of the waste constituents in your container can be identified. This provides guidance for those people handling and disposing the waste as to what hazards may be involved. It also helps emergency responders know what steps to take if they have to respond to an incident involving your waste.
- Store waste in a secure location. Ensure it is protected from exposure to weather, vandalism and unauthorized access.