In California, hazardous waste is regulated by the Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC), a division within the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA). Federal EPA regulations also govern certain aspects of hazardous waste management, since most of our waste is treated and disposed out of state. These hazardous waste regulations are part of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, or RCRA. Local enforcement authority is administered by the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency, Environmental Health Division.

Definition of Hazardous Waste

EPA regulations define hazardous waste as substances having one of the following hazardous

characteristics:

• Corrosive: pH < 2 or >12.5

• Flammable: liquids with flash point below 38º C or 100º F [e.g. Methanol, Acetone, Ethanol, Isopropyl alcohol etc.]

• Reactive: unstable, explosive, reacts violently with air and/or water, or releases a toxic gas when in contact with water [e.g., Sodium metal]

• Toxic: Determined by toxicity testing [e.g., Mercury]

The EPA definition of hazardous waste also extends to the following items:

• Abandoned chemicals

• Unused or unwanted chemicals

• Chemicals in compromised containers [e.g., with broken caps, ruptured, punctured, corroded]

• Empty containers that have visible residues

• Containers with conflicting labels (dual labeling)

• Unlabeled or unknown chemicals

Biohazardous Waste

Biohazardous waste is defined as anything meeting these criteria:

Laboratory waste, including, but not limited to, all of the following:

• Human or animal specimen cultures from medical and pathology laboratories.

• Cultures and stocks of infectious agents from research laboratories. An infectious agent is a type of microorganism, bacteria, mold, parasite, or virus that normally causes, or significantly contributes to the cause of, increased morbidity or mortality of human beings.

• Waste from the production of:

  • bacteria

  • viruses

  • spores

  • discarded live and attenuated vaccines used in human health care or research

  • culture dishes and devices used to transfer, inoculate, and mix cultures

• Human surgery specimens or tissues removed at surgery or autopsy, which are suspected of being contaminated with infectious agents known to be contagious to humans.

• Animal parts, tissues, fluids, or carcasses suspected of being contaminated with infectious agents known to be contagious to humans.

• Waste that contains recognizable fluid blood, fluid blood products, containers or equipment containing blood that is fluid or blood from animals known to be infected with diseases which are highly communicable to humans.

Biohazardous Waste Disposal Procedures

Solid biohazardous waste should be sterilized or otherwise rendered noninfectious prior to disposal in a dumpster. This must be done by autoclaving or other methods approved by EH&S. Liquid biohazardous waste must be treated using an appropriate chemical disinfection method prior to discharge to the sewer system. For most research activities, chemical treatment with sodium hypochlorite (bleach) to a final concentration of 500 - 1000 mg/L free chlorine is an effective disinfectant per CDC guidelines. If you have any questions regarding an appropriate disinfection method, contact EH&S to verify it is approved by applicable regulations.

• Solid biohazardous waste - autoclave using (as a minimum) standard operating procedures established for the sterilizers being used.

• Liquid biohazardous waste - discharge into sewer system (liquids and semi-liquids only) according to EH&S approved method. Liquid waste disinfected with sodium hypochlorite to a final concentration of 500 - 1000 mg/L chlorine can be discharged to the sewer system. Liquid biohazardous waste mixed with chemical waste or some other chemical disinfectant besides bleach MAY NOT be approved for sewer discharge. Contact EH&S for guidance.

Medical Waste

Medical waste is defined as a waste that meets the definition of both sharps waste or biohazardous waste (as identified above) AND is generated or produced as a result of any of the following actions:

• Diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of human beings or animals.

• Research pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of human beings or animals.

• The production or testing of medicinal preparations made from living organisms and their products, including, but not limited to, serums, vaccines, antigens, and antitoxins.

Chemical Hazardous Waste Management

Proper handling of chemical hazardous waste is essential for safety, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance.

Waste Collection

All hazardous waste must be collected in appropriate, department-approved containers. Follow these guidelines when handling chemical waste:

• Use only containers compatible with the waste material (e.g., avoid metal containers for corrosives).

• Keep containers closed when not in use—do not evaporate or dilute waste.

• Segregate incompatible chemicals to prevent dangerous reactions.

• Clearly designate waste collection areas within labs.

Proper Labeling

Accurate labeling is critical for safe handling and disposal. Each hazardous waste container must have:

• A hazardous waste label affixed immediately upon first use.

• A complete list of all chemical components (no abbreviations or chemical formulas).

• The accumulation start date to track storage time limits. Hazardous waste can be stored for no more than 180 days from the accumulation start date.

• The responsible party’s name and contact information.

Storage Requirements

To ensure compliance and safety, follow these storage protocols:

• Store hazardous waste in designated, well-ventilated areas away from heat and ignition sources.

• Use secondary containment (e.g., trays) to prevent spills.

• Keep waste containers upright and in good condition—damaged or leaking containers must be replaced.

• Follow chemical segregation guidelines:

  • Acids & bases – Store separately to prevent violent reactions.

  • Oxidizers & flammables – Keep apart to minimize fire risk.

  • Heavy metals, cyanides, and sulfides – Separate to avoid toxic gas formation.

Waste Disposal Procedures

Improper disposal of hazardous waste is illegal and dangerous. Adhere to the following procedures:

• To schedule a pickup, contact EH&S before waste reaches the storage time limit.

• Do not dispose of hazardous waste down drains, in regular trash, or via evaporation.

• Contact the EH&S Office for guidance on unknown or reactive waste.

• Ensure all waste is transported by authorized personnel only—do not move waste off-campus independently.

Emergency Response & Contacts

In case of a spill or hazardous waste emergency:

1. Alert nearby personnel and evacuate if necessary.

2. Contain the spill if safe to do so (use absorbent materials for small spills).

3. Contact the EH&S Office immediately for cleanup assistance.

4. Report all incidents to the Chemistry Department Safety Officer.

For additional guidance, refer to the Chemical Hygiene Plan or contact the EH&S Office at ehs@cabrillo.edu or 831-479-5742.

By following these guidelines, we ensure a safe laboratory environment for researchers, students, and staff while maintaining compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.