Water quality is an integral part of maintaining a clean environment. Both routine and non-routine emissions to ground and surface waters may adversely impact regional water quality. Environmental Programs administers several programs to minimize routine discharges and mitigate the impact of non-routine discharges and spills to waters of the US.
Underground Storage Tanks
Aboveground Storage Tanks
Industrial Waste Water
The discharge of industrial waste water is regulated by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC). Each UCSF owned location is covered by an industrial waste water permit issued by SFPUC that established numerical discharge limits for all waste effluent. These limits are established to preserve water quality and protect the sewer system from damage. Local regulations establish limits for pollutants of concern including metals, organic compounds, toxins and pH.
All UCSF facilities are monitored annually at a minimum by SFPUC. All identified violations require a root cause investigation, mitigation measures implemented and a follow up report to SFPUC.
EH&S has collaborated with SFPUC to identify non-hazardous chemicals that are appropriate for drain disposal. The approved list can be found at "Disposal Modes for Non-Hazardous Lab Waste" Only those chemicals listed are approved for drain disposal.
If you witness illegal disposal of hazardous materials or hazardous waste in the sink, please notify Environmental Programs (415.476.1300) immediately.
Sewer Disposal: What Can Go Down the Drain?
Last Updated: March 11, 2024 12:17:33 PM PST
Find out what kinds of liquids can go down UC San Francisco drains.
Whatever goes down the drain ends up in the ocean, so the SFPUC strictly regulates sewer waste.
What can go down the drain?
The only substances allowed down drains are those that meet all of the following criteria:
- Nonhazardous
- No radioactive waste
- No hazardous chemical waste
- No untreated biohazardous waste
- Liquid
- No solids, sludges, or viscous substances
- Will not interfere with sewage treatment operations
- No corrosive pH levels
- No grease or oils
- No hot (125°F or higher) temperatures
OR
In the Chemicals Solutions List Approved for Drain Disposal
- If you can't find a particular substance and aren't sure how to dispose of it, contact [email protected] or [email protected]
Note: Protect drains from chemical spills — do not use sinks for chemical storage or secondary containment. Disposal of hazardous waste using sinks, intentional evaporation, intentional dilution or as regular trash is against the law. Campus laboratories must abide by strict state and federal waste disposal requirements. You may be held liable for violations of applicable laws.
Material |
Can it go down the drain? |
What to do with it |
Biohazardous waste |
Solids: NO |
Liquid biohazardous waste can be decontaminated and made suitable for drain disposal:
Click here: For more information and for disposal instructions for solid biohazardous waste. |
Controlled substances |
NO |
Read Controlled Substances Waste Management for disposal procedures. |
Radioactive waste |
NO |
Read Radioactive Waste for disposal instructions. |
Hazardous chemical waste |
NO |
Read Chemical Waste or guidance on hazardous chemical waste determination. Follow appropriate disposal procedures. |
Non-liquids |
Can it go down the drain? |
What to do with it |
Solids, sludges, or viscous substances |
NO |
These items can obstruct the flow of sewage. |
Powders and salts |
NO |
These items can obstruct the flow of sewage.
|
Aqueous Liquid pH levels |
Can it go down the drain? |
What to do with it |
Aqueous Liquid waste with a pH of 6.0 or lower or pH of 9.5 or higher |
NO |
Disposal method: |
Hot liquids |
Can it go down the drain? |
What to do with it |
Hot, nonhazardous liquids (125°F or more) |
NO |
|
Grease and oil |
Can it go down the drain? |
What to do with it |
Grease and oil |
NO, unless the concentration is less than 100 mg per liter |
For higher concentrations:
|
Common questions |
Can it go down the drain? |
What to do with it |
Alcohols |
NO |
Disposal method: |
Formalin and formaldehyde |
NO |
Disposal method: |
Hydrogen peroxide |
NO |
Disposal method: |
Photo and X-ray processor chemicals |
NO |
Disposal method: |
Other chemicals |
NO, unless it is on the list of Chemicals Solutions Approved for Drain Disposal |
Otherwise: Disposal method: |
Latex paint |
NO |
Disposal method: |
Oil paint |
NO |
Disposal method: |
Wash and rinse water |
NO, unless it has not been contaminated by hazardous materials |
Disposal method: |
Power Washing of buildings or parking lots |
Not allowed without a permit and water sampling |
Contact [email protected] to go over the permit process Pre-treatment of soiled surfaces is required. |
Dewatering of construction site ground water |
Not allowed without a permit and water sampling |
Contact [email protected] to go over the permit process. |
Drinking Water Quality
Dental Amalgam Separators