UNKNOWN CHEMICAL WASTE

"Unknowns" are defined as chemical containers with no label or other identifying information that allows for a hazardous waste determination to be made by EH&S staff or contracted personnel. In these instances, EH&S will first work with the generating area and make every effort to identify constituents based on the normal operations in the area, current or former principal investigators or supervisors, or other knowledge or documentation which may identify the material as required by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and by the permits of our contracted treatment, storage and disposal facilities. 

• Best management practices

  The best ways to avoid generating unknown wastes include: 

  • Label all secondary containers when adding material from stock containers.
  • Inspect all chemical containers on a regular basis and address labels which are fading, peeling, or are otherwise becoming illegible - this includes stock containers, secondary containers and waste containers.
  • Label all containers used to collect waste before adding the waste to the container.
  • Use funnels or other means to pour chemicals from one container to another to avoid chemical contamination of the outer label which can make the labels illegible.
  • Ensure all laboratory personnel label their secondary containers, intermediary or transfer containers, and product containers during all experiments, as well as all waste containers generated.
  • Coordinate with EH&S to conduct proper laboratory cleanouts/closeouts when there is a change of personnel, location, or funded research within any given space.
  • Avoid the collection of legacy materials which have not been used in five or more years.
  • Routinely inspect for excessive storage that can accumulate over time - this includes ensuring spaces are secure to prevent others from using them as dumping areas for unwanted materials and equipment.
• Unknowns testing form

  To process your unknown chemical waste you are required to complete the Unknowns Testing Form. You can pre-fill out and submit with your waste pickup request, or one will be provided to you upon receiving your request. The form can be filled out by anyone from the generating area, but only an authorized account signatory on the account number provided can sign the form. The form can be emailed to HazWaste@stonybrook.edu when scheduling your unknowns waste pickup.