Defining Hazardous Waste

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has defined a hazardous waste as any material that no longer has a use and is either specifically listed in the regulations or meets defined hazard characteristics.

Characteristic Waste:

Wastes exhibiting any of the following characteristics.

IGNITABLE

• Liquids that have a flash point less than 140°F (60°C)
• Flammable solids
• Flammable compressed gases
• Oxidizers

CORROSIVE

• Aqueous solutions with pH less than 2 and greater than 12.5
• Corrodes steel

REACTIVITY

• Water reactive substances
• Unstable or explosive chemicals
• Cyanide or sulfide containing chemicals that generate toxic gases when exposed to corrosive substances

TOXIC

• Materials that have certain heavy metals or organic constituents above regulated limits (EPA D List) (see 40CFR 261)
• Materials that meet or exceed TCLP laboratory testing
• Contact EH&S for additional toxicity information

Specifically listed chemicals: (see 40CFR 261)

The EPA has specifically listed approximately 500 chemicals as hazardous waste.

• EPA P List
• EPA U List
• EPA F List
• EPA D List