Hazardous waste is a waste with properties that make it dangerous or capable of having a harmful effect on human health or the environment. Hazardous waste is generated from many sources, ranging from industrial manufacturing process wastes to batteries and may come in many forms, including liquids, solids, gases, and sludges. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) outlines specific regulatory requirements for hazardous waste and universal waste. Universal waste includes some batteries, pesticides, used-oil, mercury-containing equipment, lamps, electronic equipment, and antifreeze. Universal waste is managed by Campus Services with the exception of mercury-containing equipment which is managed by OEHS and e-waste which is managed by Materials Management.
Hazardous waste is either listed or characterized by the EPA into one of four properties: ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity and toxicity. EPA stipulates how wastes are to be managed for disposal. Requirements are based on the generator status of the facility.
EPA Generator Status
EPA has specific requirements depending on the volume of waste that is generated on site and requires for facilities to evaluate their waste streams to verify the amount of waste that is generated. Tulane maintains several generator statuses by location.
- The Tulane Uptown and Downtown Campuses are classified as large quantity generator sites.
- TNPRC and Hebert are classified as small quantity generator sites.
- The School of Public Health, Environmental Medicine, and the New Orleans Bioinnovation Center (NOBIC) are classified as very small quantity generator sites.
Policies
Information about Tulane's requirements for the handling and proper disposal of hazardous waste is addressed in the Hazardous Waste Management Policy. Universal waste is addressed in the Universal Waste Management Policy. These Policies are available at https://risk.tulane.edu/ehs/policies-posters.
Training Requirements
Training is required annually for individuals generating hazardous waste or universal waste on Tulane's Campuses. There are two required training courses for waste generators: the RCRA Training and the OEHS site-specific Hazardous Waste Training. These trainings are available to employees through TU Learn. Student employees can access these trainings through Canvas. For more information about access to online training, please go to https://risk.tulane.edu/ehs/training.
Process for Hazardous Waste Disposal Services
2. Submit a request for pickup by filling out the Hazardous Waste Pickup Request Form.
For questions related to hazardous waste, e-mail hazwaste@tulane.edu or submit a question to oehs@tulane.edu.
