INTRODUCTION TO HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT FOR NON-LAB PERSONNEL

UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS

ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH, SAFETY, AND RISK MANAGEMENT

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JULY 2022

PRIMARY RCRA REQUIREMENTS

The EPA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) governs hazardous waste. RCRA requires that you:

• Label containers with a description of their contents
• Store only the permissible volume of waste in your facility
• Ensure lids and caps are securely fastened at all times, (exceptions apply)
• Ensure all materials are properly segregated
• Use containers that are compatible with your waste
• Use intact containers (no cracks, holes, etc.)
• Ensure that spills and overfills do not occur
• Ensure that mismanagement does not occur

HAZARDOUS WASTE AT UAF

An overview of sources of hazardous waste at UAF… and their ultimate fate…

SOURCES OF HAZARDOUS WASTE AT UAF FACILITIES

Sources of hazardous wastes at UAF include:

• Facilities Services shops
• Power Plant operations
• Fire and Police Departments
• Research facilities (Poker Flat, HAARP)
• Labs

CATEGORIES OF HAZARDOUS WASTE

Hazardous waste determinations are based upon whether the material is a:

• Characteristic waste
• Listed on the D-list or TCLP (Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure) list
• Listed waste
• Materials specifically identified on one of the following lists: F, K, U, or P lists
• Universal waste
• Batteries, lamps, pesticides, mercury from thermometers, aerosol cans

UNIVERSAL WASTES

Universal wastes include the following materials that are commonly found in the workplace

• Batteries
• Fluorescent lamps
• Pesticides
• Thermometers (containing mercury)
• Aerosol cans

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UNIVERSAL WASTES: BATTERIES

• Used Battery collection containers (white 5-gallon buckets) are available at a few locations in the Physical Plant (near warehouse counter, outside Kara’s office, in Plumbing Shop, and Vehicle Maintenance…additional pails can be provided)
• Contact EHSRM if your shop or facility would like one

UNIVERSAL WASTES: FLUORESCENT LAMPS

• UAF recycles fluorescent and other lamps
• The Facilities Services Electric Shop does the vast majority of lamp replacement on campus
• EHSRM can provide lamp collection boxes and labels to you
• Boxes must be labeled with the words, “Universal Waste Lamps”, “Waste Lamps”, or “Used Lamps” to identify the contents

OTHER WASTE: AEROSOL CANS

• Aerosol cans are considered hazardous waste, as they often contain hazardous materials (product or propellant)
• Most aerosol cans, regardless of contents, can never be completely emptied of propellant
• Aerosol cans become a waste when…
• their contents are used up,
• they malfunction (i.e. fail to spray), or
• the contents are no longer needed
• Place empty or dysfunctional aerosol cans in a container with a lid (~20 gal garbage can) and label ‘Universal Waste Aerosol Cans Only’. Close lid after adding can(s). Labels can be provided by EHSRM.

OTHER WASTES: USED OIL

• Used oil means:

any oil that has been refined from crude oil, or any synthetic oil, that has been used and as a result of such use, is contaminated by physical or chemical impurities (40 CFR 279.1)

• Used oil must be:
• Collected in clean containers in good condition (no leaking containers)
• Storage and transfer containers must be marked with the words “Used Oil”
• Never add solvents, part washer fluids, carb cleaners, or glycol to your used oil

OTHER WASTES: USED OIL (CONT.)

• Keep the “used oil” container closed (lid in place and secured) except when adding or removing used oil
• If you use a funnel for transfers, the funnel must be removed when not in use and the container capped

SATELLITE ACCUMULATION AREAS

• Each facility that generates waste is referred to as a “Satellite Accumulation Area” (SAA)
• A generator may accumulate hazardous waste in containers at or near any point of generation where wastes initially accumulate which is under the control of the operator of the process generating the waste
• When EHSRM removes the waste from a SAA, it is transferred to the UAF Hazmat Facility or “Central Accumulation Area”

CONTAINER MANAGEMENT

• A container holding hazardous waste must be closed at all times during accumulation, except:
• (i) When adding, removing, or consolidating waste; or
• (ii) When temporary venting of a container is necessary
• (iii) For the proper operation of equipment, or
• (iv) To prevent dangerous situations, such as build-up of extreme pressure.

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• (Continue to next slide)

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CONTAINER MANAGEMENT (CONT.)

• A generator must mark or label a container holding hazardous waste with the following:
• (i) The words “Hazardous Waste” and
• (ii) An indication of the hazards of the contents
• examples include, but are not limited to:
• the applicable hazardous waste characteristic(s) (i.e., ignitable, corrosive, reactive, toxic)
• hazard communication consistent with the DOT requirements at 49 CFR part 172 subpart E (labeling) or subpart F (placarding)
• a hazard statement or pictogram consistent with the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard at 29 CFR 1910.1200
• or a chemical hazard label consistent with the National Fire Protection Association code 704).

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WASTES: CONTAINERS AND STORAGE

• Only use containers that are compatible with the materials to be collected.
• Always label containers with a description of their contents.
• Don’t store incompatible materials together.
• Do not store wastes in a fume hood. Store in the appropriate storage cabinet (e.g., flammable, acid).
• Provide secondary containment for liquid wastes.
• Always keep the container closed (lid firmly secured).
• A funnel in an open bottle is NOT a lid.
• Check waste storage areas regularly (weekly).
• Inspect containers to make sure they aren’t getting brittle or starting to crack.

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TO MAKE A WASTE PICKUP REQUEST

• All requests for pick up of hazardous waste must be done through the EHS Assist program.
• If you have not been trained in the use of the EHS Assist online waste pickup request tool, call 474-5617 to schedule a training session.

Remember: There is no charge to your shop or facility for chemical waste disposal

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Chemical Spills

• Report all spills to UAF Dispatch (474-7721) or call 911 if there is an immediate threat of harm to life or property
• Dispatch will call EHSRM Hazmat Section or the FNSB Hazmat Team, if necessary, to request assistance with spill cleanup
• Depending on the nature of the spill, you may be asked to complete the UAF Oil and Hazardous Substance Spill Reporting Form (available from EHSRM)
• If you have not been trained and/or do not have the appropriate personal protective equipment, please call for assistance!
• Never put yourself or others at risk to cleanup a spill!

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FOR MORE INFORMATION…

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Environmental, Health, Safety, and Risk Management

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Visit our website at: www.uaf.edu/safety

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Or call us at 474-5617

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