Laboratory Waste Management

As a generator of Hazardous Waste the University is required to comply with Federal Standards promulgated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).  These regulations cover the storage, handling, and documentation of the transfer of hazardous waste from the point of generation to the final disposal.

The Laboratory Waste Management Plan (LWMP) complies with the provisions specified in 40 CFR 262 Subpart K – Alternative Requirements for Hazardous Waste Determination and Accumulation of Unwanted Material at Laboratories Owned by Colleges and Universities and Other Eligible Academic Entities Formally Affiliated with Colleges and Universities.

The Laboratory Waste Management Plan applies only to laboratories on campus while the remaining campus non-laboratory generators (i.e. Facilities Management, Campus Recreation, Campus Activities, Residential Living, etc.) are required to follow the guidelines in the WCU Hazard Waste Program for the management of their waste.  Applicable university areas that meet the definition of a laboratory include the following:

• Teaching Laboratories
• Research Laboratories
• Laboratory Chemical Stockrooms
• Laboratory Preparatory Rooms
• Visual Art & Design Studios
• Theatrical Studios & Scene Shops
• Photography Studios
• Field Research Laboratories
• Diagnostic & Clinical Teaching Laboratories

Hazard Waste Management Training is required for all laboratory personnel generating waste on campus.  The training is administered by the Safety and Risk Management Office.  Please contact the Laboratory Safety Officer to be enrolled in the training.  For a training refresher please review the Lab Hazardous Waste Training Presentation