Hazardous wastes are generated by various University operations including lab research, building operation and maintenance, as well as construction projects. Typical hazardous wastes include spent solvents, acids and bases, heavy metal substances (e.g. mercury or lead containing), paints, oils, and chemical spill clean-up materials.

To ensure that your workplace is safe and adequately protective of the environment, University personnel must ensure that hazardous wastes they generate are properly managed. Proper management of hazardous waste includes:

• Correctly identifying wastes as hazardous
• Storing wastes in a properly labelled and closed container
• Adequately segregating waste containers and ensuring secondary containment to reduce spills
• Performing weekly visual inspection of waste areas
• Ensuring the timely removal from operating areas through EH&S waste pick-up service

General Hazardous Waste Program Information

• Harvard University Hazardous Waste Program Supervisor's Reference Manual
• Hazardous Waste Pickup / Services Online Request
• Hazardous Waste Reponsibilities Matrix - Understand Your Role
• University Operations/Laboratory Hazardous Waste General Fact Sheet
• Frequently Asked Questions for Laboratories and Building Operations
• Hazardous Waste Picture Guide
• Tips for Laboratory Waste/Cost Minimization (Also, refer to the Pollution Prevention section)

Hazardous Waste Training

• Classroom Training Schedule
• Web-Based Hazardous Waste Training (For Laboratories and University Operations. Requires Harvard ID and password)

Hazardous Waste Identification

• EPA/DEP List of Hazardous Waste
• EPA/DEP Toxicity Characteristic Table (TCLP)

Drain/Sink Disposal

• Sink Disposal Guide for Laboratories and Building Operations

Hazardous Waste Container Labeling

• Hazardous Waste Reference Labeling Tool (Use tool to accurately label your waste)
• Harvard Hazardous Waste Label

Hazardous Waste Compatibility

• Chemical Reactivity Worksheet
• Hazardous Waste Storage Compatibility Briefs
• EPA Chemical Compatibility Chart
• RCRA Chemical Waste Compatibility List
• Mallinckrodt Specialty Chemicals Co.'s Chemical Compatibility List

Hazardous Waste Container Inspection

• Hazardous Waste Container Inspection Guidelines
• Hazardous Waste Compliance Tips for Laboratories
• Satellite Accumulation Area Inspection Reminder

Other

• Building Operations - Spill Kit & Equipment Guidance Fact Sheet [PDF]
• Disposal of DEA Controlled Substances (Drug Enforcement Agency controlled)
• Ethidium Bromide Fact Sheet
• Universal Waste Accumulation Area Fact Sheet
• Universal Waste Accumulation Area Posting: Cambridge/Allston Campus | HPRE