Chemical Waste Disposal (WASTe)

Hazardous waste regulations were initially established by the Resource Conservation of Recovery Act  (RCRA) of 1976. This Act requires generators of hazardous waste to be ultimately responsible for proper waste management from the time it is first generated up until final disposal.  Improper management of hazardous waste can result in serious fines and imprisonment.

The Department of Toxic Substances Control implements and regulates the hazardous waste regulations in California. These regulations are found in Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations.

Hazardous chemicals should never be disposed of down the drain. Wastes generated at UCSF are considered hazardous if they are listed in the hazardous waste regulations or have certain characteristics which make them hazardous including:

• Toxic
• Ignitable/Flammable
• Corrosive
• Reactive

As soon as hazardous waste is generated, a hazardous waste label must be applied to the container. Waste Accumulation Storage Tracking electronically or WASTe is a web based system that facilitates regulatory compliant labeling, tracking, pick-up of hazardous wastes. At UCSF waste containers are allowed to be stored in the laboratory for 180 days. After 180 days, EH&S will be automatically notified that the waste has reached the maximum accumulation storage limit and will come pick it up within one week. WASTe also allows laboratories to designate containers as ready for pickup prior to the 180 day limit.

1. Anyone with a MyAccess account will be able to access the system once their laboratory’s account has been set up by EH&S and they are added as an authorized user on the account. Log on to WASTe.
2. Principal Investigators can designate proxies or authorized users on their account. Proxies can add or delete users and locations while authorized users can create and manage waste tags.
3. Currently WASTe only works with chrome, firefox, and safari. It does not work with internet explorer.

If you need assistance creating a waste tag, scheduling a pick-up, or have questions about the program, contact Tim Orozco at (415) 476-1480 or send an email to [email protected].

To request a new account, fill out the WASTe account sign-up form and return to [email protected].