Chemical Waste

Chemical hazardous waste may be generated from research, educational activities, facilities maintenance, or construction and renovation projects at LSU. Regardless of the source, all chemical hazardous waste generated at or on behalf of LSU must be managed in accordance with university policies and procedures, which align with applicable state and federal regulations. Effective management of chemical hazardous waste requires: 1) properly identifying the waste type, 2) following LSU's waste accumulation guidelines, and 3) ensuring proper disposal through LSU Environmental Health & Safety (EHS).

Waste Accumulation

Proper hazardous waste accumulation is essential for ensuring safety and compliance with federal and state regulations. At LSU, hazardous waste accumulation must follow established guidelines to prevent risks to human health and the environment. All hazardous waste storage areas on campus are subject to unannounced federal and state inspections, and non-compliance can result in civil or criminal penalties.

Labeling

  • Chemical waste must be labeled with a Hazardous Waste Label, waste labels are located on the Hazardous Materials Management page.
  • Unused or  unopened chemicals, or original bottles containing remaining original material do not require additional labeling. Original factory label is sufficient.
  • All information requested on the waste label must be properly completed. Waste will not be picked up if there are incomplete labels.
  • Use proper chemical names for the components of the waste. Do not use formulas, trade names or abbreviations.
  • List the percentages of all components in the waste.
  • Label must be on container at all times.

Hazardous Waste Label Form

Container and Storage Requirements 

  • Chemicals must be placed in a compatible, sealed container that shows no signs of leakage. Chemical Containers must be in good condition. Bottles with broken caps, stoppers, parafilm, foil, and tape will not be collected. Waste containers will not be returned to the generators unless arrangements have been made with this department prior to the pick-up.
  • Containers should be full, but not overflowing, leave room for expansion.
  • Waste must be stored according to chemical compatibility/hazard class.
    Use secondary containment for all liquids when in storage. Do not accumulate more than 55 gallons of waste in the laboratory.
  • Keep containers closed at all times, except when adding or removing waste. Do not leave funnels in containers unless they have a tightly sealed lid.
  • Be sure to store and containerize incompatible waste separately. A compatibility chart is provided for additional information.

Examples of non-compliance waste containers

Disposal and Pickup

The disposal of chemical hazardous waste through sanitary drains, trash cans, or dumpsters is strictly prohibited to prevent environmental contamination and health risks. All hazardous waste must be collected and managed through Environmental Health & Safety (EHS)

Waste Pickups

  • Peroxide-forming compounds (e.g., diethyl ether, 1,4-dioxane) must be labeled with receipt and opening dates and used within six months.
  • Unknown & explosive waste: Handled case-by-case—prevent by keeping records and monitoring expiration dates.
  • Recyclable items: Batteries, used oil, fluorescent bulbs—collected during hazardous waste pickups.

Special waste handling:

  • Biological waste: Managed by EHS; red bags/boxes available.
  • Asbestos: Managed by Facility Services.
  • Radioactive waste: Contact Radiation Safety Office.
  • Compressed gas cylinders: Arrange removal with supplier.
  • Aerosols, paint, pharmaceuticals: Collected by EHS.


Waste Disposal Rules:

  • No hazardous waste in trash, drains, or fume hoods.
  • Elementary neutralization is permitted per research protocols.
  • Glass & sharp waste: Seal in sturdy boxes; non-contaminated sharps in trash, contaminated sharps via EHS.

Safety & Compliance:

  • Maintain emergency equipment and follow spill/fire procedures.
  • Use pollution prevention techniques (e.g., waste minimization).
  • Ensure initial and annual lab waste training; keep records.

Laboratory Waste

To better address the unique needs of research laboratories, EHS has developed specific guidance for managing wastes generated in these environments.

Managing Liquid Hazardous Wastes:

  • Keep containers closed at all times, except when adding waste.
  • Containers must be clearly labeled with all chemical constituents (and their approximate % by volume), including water.
  • Ensure adequate headspace in liquid containers (~1” for a 4L container, adjust based on container size).

Flammable Liquids and Solvent Wastes:

  • For small quantities (<5 gallons), use glass bottles for accumulation.
  • For larger quantities (>5 gallons), use metal cans for accumulation.

Corrosive Liquid Wastes:

  • Segregate acidic wastes from alkaline wastes within the Satellite Accumulation Area (SAA), using secondary containment.
  • Never accumulate corrosive liquids in metal containers.
  • Always store hydrofluoric acid (HF) in plastic containers

  • Do not dispose of vials containing liquids in the same container as solid waste.
  • Clearly identify all chemical hazards on hazardous waste labels.
  • Do not include regular trash or Non-Regulated Lab Waste in containers for solid waste debris.

If lab workers come across old or abandoned chemicals with unknown composition, label the container with a Hazardous Waste label and write “UNKNOWN-100%” in the constituent section. Dispose of the waste through EHS promptly to avoid exposure. Efforts to identify the chemical will help EHS determine the best disposal method.