Generator Responsibilities

Federal and state laws stipulate that each individual who generates hazardous waste is personally liable and is responsible for assuring compliance with regulations and proper hazardous waste management. Each laboratory must insure that there is a mechanism in place for hazardous waste identification, storage, and disposal.

Each department will insure that there is a mechanism in place for hazardous waste disposal when faculty, staff, or students complete their work and leave the university. Chemicals left in laboratories after their owners have moved on create a serious burden for faculty and staff moving into vacated facilities. Unknown or improperly labelled chemicals can significantly increase costs for waste identification and disposal. The analysis of unknown wastes and associated costs is the responsibility of the departments generating the waste. If the Environmental Health and Safety Office has to coordinate for the analysis of unknown materials, all costs will be charged to the department generating the waste.

Return to: Laboratory Waste Management