The most common Hazardous Waste generated at St. Norbert College is flammable waste containing mixtures of some of these liquids: Acetone, Ethyl acetate, Ethyl alcohol, Acetone, Hexane, Methanol, and Methylene chloride.

Hazardous Waste

Hazardous Waste Classification

Waste is considered regulated hazardous waste if it meets any of the following:

On the F-list (non-specific source waste)
On the P-list or U-list (discarded commercial chemical products)
Exhibits any characteristic of hazardous waste as described below (flammable, corrosive, reactive, toxic)

Characteristic Waste

Waste is regulated as hazardous if it meets any of the following characteristics.

Hazardous: Flammable (Ignitable)

A liquid with a flash point less than 60 degrees Centigrade
A solid capable under normal conditions of causing fire through friction, absorption of moisture or spontaneous chemical changes
A flammable compressed gas
An oxidizer

Hazardous: Corrosive

An aqueous with pH less than or equal to 2, or greater than or equal to 12.5
A liquid that corrodes steel at a rate greater than 0.250 inches per year at 55 degrees Centigrade

Hazardous: Reactive

Is unstable and readily undergoes violent change without detonating
Reacts violently with water
Forms potentially explosive mixtures with water
Upon mixture with water generates toxic gases, vapors or fumes
Generates toxic gases, vapors or fumes at pH conditions between 2 and 12.5
Capable of detonation or explosive decomposition
Classified as a Department of Transportation explosive

Hazardous: Toxicity Characteristic

The waste contains certain metals, pesticides or selected organics above specified levels. See List of Toxic Characteristic Wastes.(link is external)
if it is otherwise capable of causing environmental or health damage if improperly disposed (this judgment is based on knowledge of the material).

Footnote: K-list waste codes are industry specific and don't apply to university waste operations

Facilities projects are subject to a required protocol that identifies potential hazardous wastes.

Lead Based Paint (Chemical Hygiene Plan 5.2.6.1)

Suspicious paint must be tested for before removal. Federal Law requires that individuals receive certain information before renovating 6 square feet or more of painted surfaces in a room for interior projects or more than 20 square feet of painted surfaces for exterior projects in housing, child care facilities and schools built before 1978.

Asbestos (Chemical Hygiene Plan 5.2.6.2)

Proper notifications must be completed prior to the demolition of a facility containing known Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM). Records of test results and any other documents pertaining to the removal process are maintained by the Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO).

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB’s.) (Chemical Hygiene Plan 5.2.6.3)

PCBs belong to a broad family of man-made organic chemicals known as chlorinated hydrocarbons. PCBs were domestically manufactured from 1929 until their manufacture was banned in 1979. They have a range of toxicity and vary in consistency from thin, light-colored liquids to yellow or black waxy solids. Due to their non-flammability, chemical stability, high boiling point, and electrical insulating properties, PCBs were used in hundreds of industrial and commercial applications including electrical, heat transfer, and hydraulic equipment; as plasticizers in paints, plastics, and rubber products; in pigments, dyes, and carbonless copy paper; and many other industrial applications. But, most fluorescent light ballasts manufactured before 1979 used capacitors containing PCBs. Sealed inside the capacitor is about a teaspoon of concentrated PCBs. Potting material surrounds the capacitor, which is encased in a ballast box. Magnetic ballasts containing PCBs must be disposed of in accordance with formal hazardous waste procedures. Contact the CHO - Mark Musser at (x4019) to setup a disposal of items containing PCB’s. Documents related to any disposal of PCB’s are maintained by the CHO.

Secondary Containment (Chemical Hygiene Plan 5.2.6.4)

Ensure appropriate secondary containment is provided for all non DOT hazardous waste containers. These containers will be provided by the CHO (x4019). Also any hazardous materials that have potential access to the sanitary sewer must be provided secondary containment to prevent unintended releases.

Empty Cans and Containers (Chemical Hygiene Plan 5.2.7.6)

Chemical containers that have been emptied (generally this means drained of their contents by normal methods including pouring, pumping, aspirating, etc.) are not regulated as hazardous waste.

Training in proper waste handling and emergency procedures. (Chemical Hygiene Plan 5.2.7.7)

Training will be provided for individuals who handle hazardous waste as part of their job duties. Proper handling and storage procedures will be covered to protect stored items from breakage, or other damage. Containers must be closed, structurally sound, and compatible with its contents. They will also be trained in proper DOT shipping and receiving requirements.

P and U - Lists of Hazardous Wastes

The P and U lists designate as hazardous waste pure and commercial grade formulations of certain unused chemicals that are being disposed. For a waste to be considered a P- or U-listed waste it must meeting the following three criteria:

The waste must contain one of the chemicals listed on the P or U list;
The chemical in the waste must be unused; and
The chemical in the waste must be in the form of a commercial chemical product.

EPA defines a commercial chemical product for P and U list purposes as a chemical that is either 100 percent pure, technical (e.g., commercial) grade or the sole active ingredient in a chemical formulation.

The P-list identifies acute hazardous wastes from discarded commercial chemical products. The P-list can be found at 40 CFR section 261.33. The U-list identifies hazardous wastes from discarded commercial chemical products. The U-list wastes can be found at 40 CFR section 261.33.