Characteristics of Hazardous Waste
Chemical waste is considered Hazardous Waste if it is either listed as such, or if it exhibits one or more of the following hazardous characteristics: Ignitable, Corrosive, Reactive or Toxic.
- Ignitable Waste
- Any waste whose flash point is less than 140 °F.
- Corrosive Waste
- Any waste with a pH lower than 2.0 or greater than 12.5.
- Reactive Waste
- Waste that is unstable, shock-sensitive, or generates cyanide or sulfide gases.
- Toxic Waste
- Waste that equals or exceeds a designated concentration of certain toxic compounds.
Each laboratory is responsible for staying informed of, and complying with Hazardous Waste regulations, and for following the University procedures regarding waste collection, segregation and labeling. The chemical safety officer will provide all materials necessary for the proper management of waste, from Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to labels and waste containers. All items are available at the chemical stockroom (Room S-310) upon request. If you need postings, or forms please download them from this site.
Categories of Waste
There are three major categories of waste:
- Chemical Waste
- Any chemical that can no longer be used or identified is considered a
chemical waste. Any chemical waste that exhibits a hazardous characteristic
and that is listed by The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA),
or The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MADEP) as a hazardous waste, is
considered a Hazardous Waste. Such waste is regulated and requires special
Click here for information about Ethidium Bromide waste
- Biological Waste
- Any waste derived from a living thing or that comes into contact with living things is considered Biological Waste.
- Universal Waste Policy
- Clark University complies with all Federal and State regulations regarding the storage, transport, and management of Universal Waste. Designated accumulation areas are located throughout the campus. A list of locations is available from the recycling center. The Central Storage Location is 501 Park Ave. All Universal Waste is processed by State and Federally approved vendors.
- Waste batteries, pesticides, fluorescent lamps and some mercury containing devices are regulated by the government as Universal Waste. If you need to dispose of any such items, or electronic related equipment please contact the Physical Plant (X7566). Clean-up kits for broken lamps and other broken Universal Waste is available from Gregg Janda in the Physical Plant (X7566).
Note: Clark University has a recycling program. To request a pickup or information about the program, contact Jenny Isler at x7601.