Hazardous Waste
The University of New England generates hazardous waste primarily through instructional and research laboratory activities. In most laboratory settings, hazardous waste is generated in small quantities over time and must be managed appropriately at the point of generation. All hazardous waste generated at UNE must be accumulated, stored, and disposed of in accordance with University policies and applicable local, state, and federal regulations, including Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements.
Laboratories that generate hazardous waste are required to establish and maintain a designated Satellite Accumulation Area (SAA) and to manage hazardous waste containers in compliance with UNE’s Hazardous Waste Management program. This includes proper labeling, container management, routine inspections, and timely coordination with the Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) for waste removal. EHS oversees hazardous waste management activities at UNE and provides guidance, training, and compliance support. Laboratories should contact EHS for assistance with hazardous waste determinations, accumulation requirements, or disposal requests.
The University has three campuses in Biddeford, Portland, and Tangier. All three have slightly different requirements due to either generator status or location.
Biddeford
In Biddeford, any lab that generates hazardous waste on a regular basis must establish a Satellite Accumulation Area (SAA). All labs that have an SAA must perform and log an inspection once every seven calendar days. There is a checklist of issues to look for on the inspection log.
Portland
On the Portland Campus, any lab that generates hazardous waste is responsible for properly managing its waste. Portland is regulated as a Maine Small Quantity Generator (SQG) of hazardous waste, so its requirements will be slightly different from those in Biddeford. If you need any supplies, need a waste pickup, or have any questions about hazardous waste management for the Portland Campus, please contact ehs@une.edu.
What is Hazardous Waste?
Waste is considered hazardous if it is regulated under state or federal law. Hazardous waste commonly includes chemicals that are ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic. Certain materials may also be classified as hazardous waste due to their carcinogenic properties, persistence in the environment, or because they are prohibited from disposal in regular trash due to dust generation or other exposure concerns.
Hazardous waste determinations must be made at the point of generation. If laboratory personnel are unsure whether a chemical, mixture, or material constitutes hazardous waste, they must contact Environmental Health and Safety for assistance. EHS will support departments in making proper waste determinations and ensuring compliance with UNE policies and regulatory requirements.
Waste Accumulation Rules
The following hazardous waste accumulation rules must be followed. Violations of these rules can cost UNE money and may be unsafe.
- Accumulate waste in a compatible container with a screw-top lid. Containers designed for solid chemicals should not be used for liquids.
- Label all containers with a completed and secure UNE Hazardous Waste label.
- Leave some headspace in the container for temperature and vapor pressure changes.
- Store waste in secondary containment to avoid spills into sinks and floor drains.
- Make sure the waste accumulation location is under your control (i.e., not in hallways).
- Stay under maximum accumulation limits (54 gallons for most chemical waste, 1 quart for acutely hazardous waste).
- Do not accumulate the same type of waste into two containers at the same time.
If your waste is accumulated improperly, we will discuss the problem with you if you are present. We will not pick up your waste until the problem has been corrected. If you have any questions, please contact EHS.
Waste Minimization
UNE aims to minimize the waste that it generates in an effort to better the environment and decrease the cost of waste disposal. There are several ways you can help us achieve this goal, including:
- Purchasing the exact amount of a chemical that you are going to use; avoid ordering in bulk.
- Taking advantage of the UNE Chemical Sharing program by sharing chemicals that are no longer needed but may be utilized by other labs.
- Recycling glassware and equipment items as often as possible.
- Donating lab items in good working order to local schools or organizations.
- Substituting chemicals that are considered hazardous waste with safer chemicals that can be disposed of through other channels.
If you would like to learn more about waste minimization or the Chemical Sharing program, please contact EHS or the Office of Sustainability for assistance.
Chemical Cleanouts
If you are relocating or cleaning out your workplace and have a large volume of chemical waste, follow these guidelines:
- If you think you will have more than 100 containers of waste, call EHS to arrange for a cleanout appointment at least one month in advance of your move.
- Email EHS with a list of substances that are being discarded or relocated. Any waste not in its original container must have a completed UNE Hazardous Waste label.
- Consider chemical exchange for your unwanted but usable chemicals (unexpired and preferably unopened, unless it is a commonly used chemical) through the UNE Chemical Sharing program; contact EHS for more information.
- Remember to update your chemical inventory in SciShield or have EHS assist you with updates.
Hazardous Waste Pickup
Please email ehs@une.edu for waste collection. Please indicate:
- The location of the waste
- The quantity and type of waste
- Any other details you feel are important for us to know
Guidelines for Chemical Waste Generators
- All persons handling waste must have documented hazardous waste training. (Training is available online through Brightspace. Please see the “Training” section of the EHS website.)
- Wastes must be accumulated in compatible, leak-proof containers with tight-fitting lids.
- Liquid waste must be accumulated in secondary containment away from floor drains or sinks.
- Incompatible wastes must be separated from each other so that no mixing is possible.
- Waste containers must be closed with a properly fitting lid or cap except when adding waste. Don’t leave a funnel in the container unless it has a spring-loaded lid.
- Waste must be generated and stored under the control of the operator. Don’t store waste in hallways or in other public areas.
- A UNE Hazardous Waste label must be affixed to each waste container, with the contents clearly listed and chemical hazards identified on the label with no abbreviations.
- There must be less than 55 gallons per waste type or less than 1 quart of acutely hazardous waste.
- You must dispose of outdated and unneeded chemicals as hazardous waste.
- You are required to conduct weekly Satellite Accumulation Area (SAA) inspections if you are managing waste on the Biddeford Campus. Download the weekly inspection log (PDF) or contact EHS for a copy.
- Email EHS with questions regarding hazardous waste and to request hazardous waste pickups.
Hazardous Waste Compliance Inspections
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection and the Environmental Protection Agency conduct hazardous waste compliance inspections. The inspectors may enter any lab, shop, or other facility that uses hazardous materials to audit hazardous waste management practices in that facility.
EHS conducts regular Laboratory Safety Inspections.
- The inspector will enter your facility and ask for the person in charge of waste management. This person should be trained and familiar with hazardous waste management practices at that location.
- The inspector will want to see where waste is generated, collected, and/or accumulated.
- In addition to the items on the list above, the inspector will ask:
- Are the workers in the area familiar with hazardous waste accumulation procedures?
- Do you pour any hazardous waste down the drain? Is it authorized?
- Have workers been trained in hazardous waste management?
The inspector will also check for:
- Eyewashes
- Fire extinguishers
- Emergency communication devices (pull alarm, telephone, horn, etc.)
- Emergency contact lists posted near a telephone
- Spill kits
Hazardous Waste Label
Hazardous Waste labels are available from EHS.