Hazardous Waste
Please refer to the Humboldt State University Waste Management guide for detailed information on hazardous materials handling on campus. Pages mentioned below refer to this document. All page
Definitions
“Waste” is defined in the California Health and Safety Code (§25122) as follows:
Any material for which no use or reuse is intended and which is to be discarded. Any recyclable material. Any material that poses a threat to public health or the environment, and which meets either or both of the following conditions: Is mislabeled or not adequately labeled, unless the material is correctly labeled or adequately labeled within 10 days after the material is discovered to be mislabeled or inadequately labeled. Is packaged in deteriorated or damaged containers, unless the, material is contained in sound or undamaged containers within 96 hours after the containers are discovered to be deteriorated of damaged. (page 7).“Hazardous waste” is defined as follows:
A waste or combination of wastes which, because of its quantity, concentration, or physical, chemical or infectious
characteristics, may either: a. Cause or significantly contribute to an increase in mortality or an increase in serious
irreversible, or incapacitating reversible, illness; or b. Pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human
health or environment when improperly treated, stored, transported or disposed of, or otherwise managed. or (b)(2)
a. A waste that meets any of the criteria for the identification of a hazardous waste adopted by the department
pursuant to Section 25141 [Title 22 regulations]. (page 5).Okay....
....sooo that pretty much covers anything we might generate from batteries and paint to sulfuric acid and mecury compounds. If you have any doubt just ask the stockroom staff prior to generating anything.
What do you do?
It is your responsibility as the end user to properly label all materials you wish to use (see the label page), and all those materials you consider waste. Remember, improperly labeled materials become waste ten days from discovery.
We are building a database of pre-made waste labels to make your life easier. They are currently available in the stockroom and are also available on the bar at the left. If you need a specific label just e-mail your request to biostock@humboldt.edu.
