Hazardous
Waste Policies and Procedures Manual - 2003 Edition
This manual was prepared
for use within ISU. It is intended for use by, and applies to, ISU
employees, staff, visitors, and students. If this manual or any portion
of it is used elsewhere, neither its authors nor the University accept
responsibility for its contents.
4.0 WHEN IS A WASTE
HAZARDOUS?
There are numerous, and sometimes conflicting, regulatory definitions for
hazardous material and hazardous waste. Not all waste is regulated
as hazardous waste under RCRA, but many materials are regulated under separate
programs at different concentrations. A waste generated at ISU is
considered to be hazardous if any of the following apply:
4.1 Characteristic
of Ignitability, Corrosivity, or Reactivity
Definitions for each characteristic is found in Appendixes A through D.
These waste streams must be stored in separate SAAs or segregated within
a single SAA, even if they are generated in the same room. Consult
with TSO personnel if you have questions concerning these characteristics
or their application to a specific waste.
4.2 EPA Listing
of Hazardous Waste
The EPA has established lists of materials that must be handled and disposed
of as hazardous when they become wastes. The listed wastes most frequently
generated at ISU include the D-list (Appendixes A through D), U-list (Appendix
F), and P-list (Appendix E). The materials on these lists are subject
to change, as are their regulatory levels.
Special attention should be given to materials found on these lists which
are being used or purchased. These materials must be handled by the
procedures in this manual if and when they become waste. Do not buy
more material than is absolutely needed and will be consumed. The
cost to dispose of a hazardous waste is usually many times the initial
cost to obtain the material.
4.3 Mixtures of
Listed and Unlisted Wastes
There are many instances where an EPA-listed waste is found mixed with
either an unlisted waste or another non-hazardous material. The "mixture"
and "derived-from" rules under RCRA were designed to prevent using dilution
of a listed hazardous waste as a treatment method. This means that
even small concentrations of many hazardous wastes must be considered as
regulated and disposed of properly. Do NOT mix a hazardous waste
with a non-hazardous waste!
4.4 Wastes with
New or Unique Characteristics
These wastes may be created in research or teaching labs, and must be evaluated
to determine whether they meet any of the EPA definitions of hazardous
waste. Contact the TSO personnel for assistance on this matter.
4.5 Types of Hazardous
Waste
There are many kinds of hazardous wastes possible, and it is beyond the
scope of this manual to list them all. However, a brief overview
of the regulated waste categories most often encountered at ISU include:
-
D-listed characteristic wastes
(found in Appendixes A through C);
-
D-listed specific waste (found
in Appendix D);
-
P-listed acute hazardous wastes
(found in Appendix E);
-
U-listed specific wastes (found
in Appendix F);
-
asbestos and asbestos-containing
materials;
-
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs);
-
batteries (lead-acid, mercury,
lithium, Ni-Cd);
-
photographic solutions;
-
oils and solvents;
-
copier chemicals and supplies;
-
sodium and mercury vapor lamps;
-
suspected carcinogen, mutagen,
or teratogen;
-
certain kinds of scintillation
fluids;
-
solvent contaminated rags;
-
oil or lead based paints; and
-
certain cleaning chemicals.
Within these categories, subgroups
are also possible. It is a good idea to check with the TSO for information
relating to proper disposal of wastes if you suspect they are within one
or more of these categories.
4.6 Sources of
Information Regarding Hazardous Waste
At Idaho State University, there are several sources of information regarding
the hazards associated with hazardous waste. Aside from formal training,
which is available through the Technical Safety Office personnel, a variety
of books, manuals, videos, network and internet contacts, and vendor-supplied
information can be accessed or made available. Department materials
handlers may also be able to answer questions.
4.7 Other Types
of Wastes
There are several types of waste generated at ISU which are not covered
by this manual. These include:
-
Non-hazardous solid wastes.
Examples include garbage, rubbish, paper or cardboard refuse, latex (water-based)
paints and stains, and non-contaminated glassware.
-
Radioactive waste. Examples
include scintillation vials containing radioactive material, and other
radioactive wastes that do not also have characteristic or specific hazardous
waste properties. Radioactive wastes are managed under the Radiation
Safety Division of the Technical Safety Office. The “Radiation Safety
Policies and Procedures Manual” is available upon request. You may
contact Radiation Safety at extension 2311 with questions concerning radioactive
waste.
-
Mixtures of radioactive and
hazardous wastes (mixed wastes). This special class of waste represents
a problem for all waste generators, because there are extremely limited
and very expensive options for disposal of mixed wastes. ISU has
no storage capability for such waste. DO
NOT GENERATE ANY MIXED WASTE.
If you are unsure of
what type of waste you are generating, or how to dispose of it, please
contact the TSO at extension 2310 for further waste stream characterization.
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Technical
Safety Office
Idaho State University
Campus Box 8106
785 S. 8th St. PS Rm 101
Pocatello, ID 83209
Phone: (208) 282-2310 or
282-2311
Fax: (208) 282-4649
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