Proper containment, tagging, collection and disposal are essential to the success of the Hazardous Waste Program. The following sections discuss these areas.

Filling Containers

Hazardous waste collection containers must be in good condition, must not leak, and must be compatible with their hazardous contents (e.g., do not use metal containers for corrosive waste or plastic containers for organic solvents). All containers must have suitable screw caps or other secure means of closure. RMSO provides five gallon poly-ethylene carboys that meet most of these compatability requirements. When large waste containers (greater than 5 gallons total volume) are warranted, contact the RMSO for assistance.

If you are reusing a container to accumulate waste, destroy the original product label. EPA regulations require that waste containers be labeled with the identity of the contents, and the words "Hazardous Waste". RMSO provides hazardous waste I.D. tags that meet these requirements. The RMSO will add the accumulation start date when the waste is picked up from the department and transported to the CAA(s).

¡IMPORTANT!
Never overfill hazardous waste containers. Expansion and excess weight can lead to spills, explosion, and extensive environmental exposure.

Do not fill past the shoulder of the container. The shoulder of the container is the place where the container slopes in towards the neck.

Fill closed head cans (5 gallons or less) to leave approximately two inches of space between the liquid level and the top of the container.

Fill closed head drums (larger than 5 gallons) to leave approximately four inches of space.

Hazardous waste containers for solids are generally rated by their weight capacity and volume capacity. Take care not to exceed the weight capacity of a solid container. Weight is generally not a problem for jars and open head cans (5 gallons or less), but it can be a problem for open head drums (larger than 5 gallons). Depending on weight requirements, you may fill containers for solids within two inches of the closure.

¡IMPORTANT!
Keep all waste collection containers closed except when adding or removing material.

Completing Tags

When a container first receives waste it is necessary to attach a waste tag.

Follow these guidelines for completing hazardous waste tags:

• Use full chemical names or common names. Chemical formulas or abbreviations are not acceptable.
• List all chemical components in the waste container, including water. Long lists may be continued on a second tag.
• Indicate the percent concentration of the chemicals, especially potentially explosive materials such as picric acid and nitro compounds.
• Attach the tag to the container.

Collection and Disposal

The RMSO collects waste from generators on a weekly basis. Specific details concerning waste pickup procedures are in procedure RMS-01.03, “Hazardous and Non-hazardous Waste Pickup .”

Containers with improper caps, leaks, outside contamination, or improper labeling will not be picked up until these problems have been corrected.

Improper disposal methods for hazardous chemical waste include the following:

• Disposal down the drain.
• Intentional evaporation in a fume hood.
• Disposal in the regular trash.
• Dilution and disposal down the drain.

Disposing of Empty Containers

EPA and TCEQ (40CFR 264.170, and TAC 335.41(f) , TAC 335.508(2) ) regulations stipulate that empty containers must meet the following requirements:

• Containers must not contain free liquid or solid residue.
• Containers must be triple rinsed (place the rinsate in an approved waste container).
• Product labels must be defaced or removed.
• Container lids or caps must be removed.
• Aerosol cans must be at atmospheric pressure.

¡IMPORTANT!
Containers that do meet these requirements will be picked up for disposal by RMSO.