Chemical Waste Labeling Handout

Hazardous Waste Labeling Proper hazardous chemical waste management is important to minimize the impact our work has on the environment and to avoid costly and embarrassing penalties. The process begins with determining which of your chemical wastes are ‘hazardous wastes’ and ends with EHS sending them offsite for proper disposal. This bulletin is intended as a refresher for a single, but important, step along the way: labeling containers. ►When to label: Any and all containers in a Satellite Accumulation Area must be labeled. Empty containers should be marked “EMPTY” and moved to another location, as should containers which don’t contain waste (virgin chemicals, etc.). ►Which label: EHS can provide an endless supply of the labels pictured below, and these are the preferred labels to use. ►Where to label: Labels should be on the side of the container, and should be visible without having to move bottles around. Contact EHS if you are in need of labels to be delivered to your lab. On the Charles River Campus, call 3534094. On the Medical Campus, call 638-8830 ►Filling out the Hazardous Waste Label: Four simple pieces of information which all must be present: The words ‘Hazardous Waste’: are already on the labels provided. Contents: The chemicals inside the container must be listed, spelled out in full words. No abbreviations or formulas. Statement of Hazard: The hazard class(es) of the chemical(s) you are collecting must be indicated by placing an ‘X’ in the appropriate box(es). The date the container becomes FULL: When the container will not safely hold any more waste, or when you will not be generating any more waste, write the date on the label. Filling out a label is easy. Identifying hazardous waste containers which are improperly labeled is even easier and is something that any environmental inspector will find. With penalties up to $27,500 per violation, it makes sense to take the time to get it right. Contact EHS with any questions.