Hazardous Waste
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 with a 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.
Request for Chemical Waste Removal
To make a request for chemical waste removal, or to find out more information about waste management and waste disposal guidelines, please contact Frank Abell at Fabell@clarku.edu, or call extension 7280 or 1-508-793-7280.
Categories of Waste
There are there major categories of 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 area 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 (ext. 7566). Clean-up kits for broken lamps and other broken Universal Waste are available from Gregg Janda in the Physical Plant (ext. 7566).
Learn More
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 management.
Learn More
Biological Waste
Any waste derived from a living thing or that comes into contact with living things is considered Biological Waste.
Learn MoreEnvironmental Health and Safety
Arthur M. Sackler Sciences Center
Room S108
Worcester, MA 01610
1-508-793-7280
1-508-793-7117