Protection of human health and the environment. Federal, state, and local regulations do not permit the disposal of chemical hazardous waste into the regular trash or waste water treatment system.  

ALL hazardous wastes generated in a laboratory, clinic, research facility or department (“satellite accumulation area”) and accumulated for disposal MUST meet this procedure requirement.

Follow the four L’s:

Label 

Each chemical hazardous waste collection container must be marked with the words “Hazardous Waste + Chemical name(s) in waste + inherent hazard of waste”.  For example: Hazardous Waste Acetone   - Flammable.

Link to download and print DEHS Hazardous Waste 4L labelhttps://louisville.edu/dehs/waste-disposal.

All mixtures of chemical wastes MUST be compatible.

Lid     

Chemical and hazardous waste containers MUST ALWAYS be closed except when adding or removing waste. 

Chemical and hazardous waste containers MUST be in good condition (i.e. no rust, cracks, etc)  Lid must fit securely (no foil or parafilm allowed). 

Waste containers MUST be compatible with the waste and approved to hold chemicals (i.e. no food or beverage containers). 

Location     

Chemical and hazardous waste generated in your area MUST stay in your area during the waste accumulation period. The waste must stay in control of the operator; this means you cannot pass through a doorway to get to your waste collection container. 

Limit 

Accumulation of "physical characteristic” (e.g. flammable, corrosive, non-acute toxic) chemical waste in any laboratory or work area SHALL NOT EXCEED 50-gallons (189 liters) or  400 pounds (181 kilograms) at any time. 

Accumulation of acutely hazardous waste (EPA “P-Listed”) in any laboratory or work area SHALL NOT EXCEED one quart (1 liter )  or 2.2 pounds (1 kilogram) at any time.

The storage of hazardous waste is strictly regulated by the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). These complicated regulations are enforced by the Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection and USEPA.
 
 University Waste Disposal Guide
 
 40 CFR Part 260
 
Detailed information on University policies and procedures for identifying, handling, and disposing of hazardous wastes are contained in UofL's Disposal Guide on the web at https://louisville.edu/dehs/waste-disposal.
 
 Call DEHS at 502-852-2956 or 502-852-6670 if you have any questions about hazardous waste management.

DEHS Waste Management & Disposal website: https://louisville.edu/dehs/waste-disposal 

DEHS Chemical & Hazardous Waste Pick up Form: Chemical and Hazardous Waste Pickup Request