Environmental Health and Safety

Hazardous Waste Management

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Hazardous Waste Management

The proper management and disposal of chemical waste at Brown University must be compliant with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Hazardous wastes are defined in the Brown University Hazardous Waste Compliance Guidelines (PDF) and are required to be managed by Brown University to ensure proper disposal in compliance with all EPA & RIDEM regulations. Once waste has been identified in an area and all storage and management requirements outlined below have been met, the Office of Environmental Health and Safety will manage the compliant removal of the waste.

Reach out to the Office of Environmental Health and Safety with any questions regarding hazardous waste management.
Hazardous_Waste@Brown.edu

Submit Hazardous Waste Pick-up Request

10 Steps to Hazardous Waste Compliance

  1. Is the waste an EPA defined solid waste (e.g., used, expired or unwanted chemicals)?
  2. Collect all chemical waste as hazardous waste unless directed otherwise by EHS.
  3. Hazardous Waste must be kept at or near the point where it is initially generated. (e.g., in the same room).
  4. Accumulation volume limits
    • ≤55 gallons of hazardous waste; or
    • 1 quart of acutely hazardous waste (P-Listed).
  5. Containers used or reused to collect hazardous waste must meet the following requirements:
    • In good condition;
    • Compatible with the waste being added;
    • Any residues in reused containers must be compatible with the waste being added;
    • Easily resealable (e.g., twist on lid); and
    • No inappropriate containers (e.g., food containers, recycling bins, bags, or glassware disposal boxes).
  6. Containers must be closed when not actively collecting waste (e.g., caps tightened).
  7. Label with the Brown University provided orange hazardous waste label including:
    • Full constituent names (e.g., no abbreviations or chemical formulas);
    • Approximate percentages of each constituent (totaling 100%);
    • Generator’s name or supervisor of the area or project; and
    • Hazard(s) of the waste identified (checkboxes);
  8. Secondary containment (e.g., red trays are available in stockrooms).
  9. Compatible storage (e.g., segregate containers of incompatible wastes).
  10. Contingency Plan – In the event of an emergency chemical release or spill:
    • Alert all personnel to evacuate the area;
    • Call Brown Public Safety 24 hour emergency number: (401) 863-4111;
    • Move a safe distance away and tend to injured personnel, if safe to do so; and
    • Remain on scene to provide first responders with additional information, if possible. 

Compliant Satellite Accumulation Area (SAA)

  • Cap securely closed.
  • Compatible container in good condition.
  • Full chemical names on label.
  • Percentages listed and total 100%.
  • Name of generator.
  • Secondary containment in good condition, compatible and of sufficient volume to contain leaks.
  • Located near point of initial waste generation.
  • No stock chemicals, incompatibles or unlabeled containers in secondary containment.

Reminder: Red secondary containment trays and orange hazardous waste labels are available in all the stockrooms on campus at no charge for hazardous waste collection purposes only.

Stockroom Locations and Contacts

Resources

Compliance