Hazardous Waste

All chemical wastes including unwanted or expired chemical that are generated as a result of lab processes are considered hazardous wastes by the University and must be stored in the Satellite Accumulation Area (SAA) near point of generation All SAA's must be audited by the PI and/or Laboratory Supervisor weekly to ensure the following requirements are met:

  • All containers must be closed except when waste is actively being added. Caps must be screwed on. If you are concerned about vapor build-up in your container, please contact RMS to discuss options.
  • Waste containers must be compatible with the contents. All contents going into the same waste container must be compatible as well. See Appendix B Chemical Segregation for information on chemical compatibility.
  • All wastes must be labeled with the UNT Hazardous Waste label. The contents of the container must be filled out as soon as a waste is added to the container.
  • Do not accumulate more than 55-gallons of waste in your SAA. Contact RMS for pick up well before this volume is reached. Visit the RMS website to find the online Hazardous Material Pickup Request Form.
  • Liquid wastes should be stored in secondary containment and incompatible wastes should be stored in separate secondary containment devices.
  • Always ensure that you leave at least 20% of head space (80% full) in the waste container. This allows for expansion of any liquids or vapors.