Hazardous Waste Compliance Tips

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) is subject to unannounced waste inspections by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). To ensure compliance and avoid regulatory violations, please review the following hazardous waste management requirements:

Container Appropriateness: Use suitable containers for hazardous waste. Avoid milk jugs, soda bottles, food containers, or open-mouthed beakers/flasks. Ensure all containers can be securely closed.

Compatibility: Verify that wastes are compatible with their containers and with each other if comingled. Incompatible wastes must be collected in separate containers and stored in secondary containment.

Proper Labeling:

• Use UTHSC hazardous waste labels immediately when adding waste.
• Include full chemical names (no abbreviations or formulas).
• Indicate approximate percentages (+/- 5%) or use "trace" for components <1%.
• Circle applicable GHS pictograms or hazardous characteristics (e.g., ignitable, corrosive, toxic, reactive).
• Ensure labels are legible and replace if faded or smeared.

Container Closure: Keep all waste containers sealed with appropriate caps/lids to prevent spills, leaks, or evaporation. Funnels or tubing left in uncapped containers will result in citations.

No Dates on Containers: Do not date hazardous waste containers while stored in your area.

Training Compliance: Ensure all lab personnel handling hazardous waste have completed hazardous waste training as part of their annual lab safety refresher.

For questions or assistance, contact Research Safety at [email protected] or call 901-448-6114.

For more information and downloadable labels, visit the Hazardous Chemical Waste page.