Hazardous Waste
The mission of the waste management group is to ensure proper and safe management of hazardous waste, regulated medical waste and universal waste at Stony Brook University. This is all done while applying the Environmental Protection Agency's hierarchy of waste minimization: reduce, reuse, and recycle. In addition, the group ensures compliance with federal, state and local regulations.
Chemical Waste Disposal Manifests
In an effort to reduce paper waste, EH&S is providing this fillable PDF of the Chemical
Waste Disposal Manifest. This can be completed and saved electronically, reducing
the burden on labs for maintaining paper copies.
A completed copy of the Chemical Waste Disposal Manifest must be brought to the waste
collection. Waste will not be collected without this form.
Chemical Waste Disposal Manifest
Satellite Accumulation Area
A Satellite Accumulation Area (SAA) can accumulate waste containers "at or near" the point of generation for both laboratories and facilities. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) interprets "at or near" to mean within the same room. If an SAA is accessed through a door that can be closed, then it is not "at or near" the point of generation.
Satellite Accumulation Area Containers must be:
- In good condition and free of exterior contamination
- Periodically check for leaks, tears or corrosion
- Compatible with the waste
- e.g. No corrosives in metal containers
- Segregate incompatible waste within a secondary containment by distance or a physical barrier such as an additional containment
- Closed tightly at all times except when waste is being added to the container
- This includes HPLC waste and containers accumulating waste over time
- In secondary containment
- Stored away from a sink or drain
- Labeled with the words "Hazardous Waste" and with all of the container's contents
at the start of accumulation
- No chemical abbreviations or formulas
Containers must be removed from an SAA and given to EH&S within 72 hours if one of the following quantity limits are reached:
- 55 Gallons of hazardous waste; or
- 1 Quart of liquid p-listed waste; or
- 1 Kg of solid p-listed waste
Guidelines for Waste Storage, Transportation and Disposal
- Hazardous waste training is required for all persons handling (management, storage and/or disposal) hazardous waste
- Never pour chemicals down the sink or discard with trash
- Chemicals with a "P" code on the following list must be collected as hazardous waste regardless if they are empty or not - Acutely Toxic Waste (P-listed waste)
- Inspect storage areas weekly for corrosion, leaks, tears, or other issues with waste containers
- Always use a cart and secondary containment to transport hazardous waste
- Use freight elevators or limit access to passenger elevators in the event freight elevators are unavailable
- Never use gloves in elevators or when opening doors
- Civil and criminal penalties of up to $70,117 per violation, per day and/or up to 5 years in prison for environmental crimes.
Services provided by the Waste Management group:
- Advise on proper handling, storage and disposal of hazardous waste, regulated medical waste (RMW) and universal waste (batteries, lamps and mercury-containing equipment)
- Conduct daily scheduled hazardous waste collections from all laboratories and facilities
- Audit and inspect laboratories and facilities that generate hazardous waste
- Implement waste minimization as required by the EPA and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) through various programs
- Respond and provide technical support during hazardous material incidents
- Actively participate as members of the Hazardous Materials Team
- Report waste management activities to authorities such as the EPA, NYSDEC and the Suffolk County Department of Public Works (SCDPW)
Hazardous Waste Policy
All hazardous waste, regulated medical waste and universal waste generated in university laboratories and other facilities must be disposed of in accordance to the guidelines and regulations mandated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Hazardous Waste Management Policy
Contact Information
For waste requests, questions or concerns, please email hazwaste@stonybrook.edu.