Chemical waste is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). Chemical waste that meets the NYSDEC definition of hazardous waste must be managed in compliance with the NYSDEC hazardous waste regulations and federal EPA regulations. Chemical waste that does not meet the definition of hazardous waste can also be collected through Rensselaer's regulated waste program.
Chemicals are considered Hazardous Waste if they fall into any of the following categories:
- Corrosive
- Aqueous solutions with pH less than 2 or greater than 12.5
- Corrodes steel
- Ignitable
- Liquids that have a flash point less than 140°F (60°C)
- Flammable solids
- Flammable compressed gases
- Oxidizers
- Reactive
- Water reactive substances
- Unstable or explosive chemicals
- Cyanide or sulfide containing chemicals that generate toxic gases when exposed to corrosive substances
- Toxic
- Materials that have certain heavy metals or organic constituents above regulated limits (EPA D List)
- Materials that meet or exceed TCLP laboratory testing
Listed wastes are defined by the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) in part 261.
- Hazardous waste from nonspecific sources (F list)
- Hazardous waste from specific sources (K List)
- Discarded commercial chemical products, off-specification species, container residues, and spill residues thereof (P List and U List)
More information on these waste streams and the full list of waste codes can be found on the EPA website.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) regulations identify all solid wastes containing 50 parts per million (ppm) by weight (on a dry weight basis for other than liquid wastes) or greater of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) as hazardous wastes.
All materials contaminated with PCBs must be disposed of through RPI's regulated waste program.
EHS works with our regulated waste vendor and individual labs to characterize waste correctly. It starts with accurately labeling every lab container with its contents. Once we know what wastes we have, we evaluate the hazards and prepare the waste for disposal. The Waste Disposal Process page breaks things down step by step. If you need assistance characterizing your waste, please email hazwaste@rpi.edu.
