Business Policies and Procedures Manual
Chapter 20: Property

Contaminated Surplus Property

(Appendix 5F: PCB-Containing Materials)

BPPM 20.77

For more information contact:
   Surplus Stores
   509-335-4630

Form:  Item Evaluation

PCB-Containing Materials

Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-containing materials are materials containing PCB components. The list below provides examples of items which may contain PCB components. The list is not exhaustive.

  • Air conditioners
  • Capacitors
  • Equipment with electrical motors (capacitors within)
  • Freezers
  • Furnace blower motors
  • Hydraulic equipment (especially high temperature applications)
  • Light ballasts (fluorescent)
  • Microwave ovens
  • Refrigerators
  • Switches
  • Transformers
  • X-ray machines, including the following types:
    • Cabinet
    • Crystallography
    • Diffraction
    • Fluorescence
    • Veterinary units

Item Evaluation

Prior to surplusing, the department must attach a completed Item Evaluation form listing the presence and location of any PCB-containing component within an item.

PCB Contamination Criteria

PCB contamination is defined as ≥ 2 ppm PCB. State law regulates PCB-contaminated components as dangerous waste. It is illegal to dispose of such waste in the trash (see SPPM 5.66). Contact Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) for assistance; telephone 509-335-3041.

No PCB contamination is defined as less than 2 ppm PCB.

Non-PCB contaminated waste, containing 2 ≤ 50 ppm PCB, is a regulated waste, in accordance with state law.

To determine whether an oil-filled component contains PCB contamination:

  • Call EH&S for assistance; telephone 509-335-3041.
  • Look for a label affixed by the manufacturer stating No PCB or < 1 ppm PCB at time of manufacture.
    If such a label is present, the component is not a PCB waste.
    All other oil-filled components are managed as PCB waste.

Notification

Departments which have appliances for surplus or disposal must notify Surplus Stores or the new owner of any potential PCB contents.

Leaking or Ruptured Component

Notify EH&S of any leaking or ruptured PCB-filled component; telephone 509-335-3041. Environmental Health and Safety must fix or remove the component prior to collection of the equipment by Surplus Stores.

_______________________
Revisions:  See BPPM 20.77 revision history.