Hazardous Waste Management
Tennessee Tech University is committed to protecting human health and the environment by managing hazardous waste in full compliance with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) regulations (Rule 0400-12-01).
The University’s hazardous waste program ensures that all hazardous wastes are properly identified, accumulated, stored, and disposed of in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. Waste generators (Lab Supervisors, Researchers, Shop Leads, etc.) are responsible for the complete and accurate evaluation of their generated waste streams.
What is Hazardous Waste?
A hazardous waste is any discarded material that is either specifically listed as hazardous waste or is considered hazardous waste based on its characteristics.
Listed Hazardous Waste:
Characteristic Hazardous Waste:
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Ignitability: Liquids with flash points below 140 °F, non-liquids that cause fire through specific conditions, ignitable compressed gases and oxidizers.
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Corrosivity: Aqueous waste with a pH of less than or equal to 2, a pH greater than or equal to 12.5, or based on the liquids ability to corrode steel.
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Reactivity: Unstable under normal conditions, may react with water, may give off toxic gases and may be capable of detonation or explosion under normal conditions or when heated.
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Toxicity: Determined by the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP). Must contain a contaminant at or above the regulatory level specified in Table 1 of 40 CFR 261.24.
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The EPA has developed a Defining Hazardous Waste webpage to aid in making hazardous waste determinations. For additional assistance, email ehs@tntech.edu.
Hazardous Waste Disposal Procedures
Follow these steps for proper disposal of your hazardous waste:
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Verify that the waste is stored in a closed, structurally sound container that is compatible with the waste.
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Make sure the container is properly labeled with the chemical constituents of the waste, and their respective concentrations (% volume).
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Complete a Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Request.
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Take the waste container to one of the central accumulation areas (CAAs) on campus or contact EHS for assistance.
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Emergency Response
In the event of an emergency, call University Police at 931-372-3234 or 911 to provide the following information:
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Your name and phone number.
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Name(s) of personnel injured/exposed.
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What spilled and how much?
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Where did the spill occur?
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Hazardous Waste Contingency Plans are located in each of the CAAs. The contingency plans provide more detailed information regarding different types of emergencies, reporting requirements, emergency equipment, and a quick reference guide. For non-emergency assistance, please contact Matt Staton at 931-372-3966 or mstaton@tntech.edu.
Universal Waste Management
The University manages certain common waste streams as universal waste to promote recycling and simplify handling requirements while maintaining compliance with EPA and TDEC regulations. Universal waste includes items that contain small amounts of hazardous materials but are widely used across campus. These materials must still be managed carefully to prevent environmental release or personal exposure.
Types of Universal Waste:
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Batteries - Includes rechargeable (Ni-Cd, lithium-ion, nickel-metal hydride) and non-rechargeable (alkaline, lithium, silver oxide) batteries.
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Lamps - Includes fluorescent tubes, compact fluorescent lights (CFL), mercury-vapor, and high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps.
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Mercury Containing Equipment - Includes thermometers, thermostats, barometers switches, and other equipment with elemental mercury.
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Aerosol Cans - Includes partially full or pressurized aerosol cans used in laboratories, shops, or maintenance areas.
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Universal waste is managed in the facilities warehouse. Please email ehs@tntech.edu to coordinate the removal of your universal waste.