Safety Policies and Procedures Manual
Chapter 5: Chemical/Hazardous Material Safety

Accumulation of Dangerous Chemical Waste

SPPM 5.68

For more information contact:
   Environmental Health and Safety
   509-335-3041  |  ehsweb@wsu.edu

1.0  Control

Accumulation of dangerous chemical waste is governed by local, state, and federal regulations.

1.1   Related Procedures and Guidelines

See SPPM 5.66 for procedures concerning reporting chemical waste for collection.

For chemical identification guidelines, refer to the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) website.

1.2   Locations

University laboratories and departments may accumulate chemical wastes in the following types of locations.

1.2.a    Satellite Accumulation Areas

A satellite accumulation area is a location at or near the point of generation where chemical wastes initially accumulate. (WAC 173-303-040) These chemicals are under the control of the individual who is responsible for their generation, e.g., maintenance worker, researcher, instructor, process operator, unit administrator, or their designee.

Any site of waste generation on the WSU campus that is not directly controlled by EH&S or is not identified as a centralized waste accumulation area is considered a satellite accumulation area. Laboratories and shops are examples of satellite accumulation areas.

See Section 2.1 for regulatory requirements for satellite accumulation areas.

1.2.b    Centralized Waste Accumulation Area (CWAA)

“Centralized waste accumulation areas” (CWAAs) are locations specifically identified by EHS where wastes may be accumulated for a limited number of days based upon the waste generator category, i.e., large, medium, or small quantity generator, of the campus or research extension center, and the cumulative amount of dangerous waste generated on-site. See Table 1.

Table 1
Generator Type Threshold Chemical Waste Generated Per Month Threshold Acutely Hazardous Waste Generated Per Month Maximum Amount of Time Waste May Be Stored Prior to Shipping for Disposal

Large Quantity Generator (LQG)

More than 1,000 kilograms or 2,200 pounds

More than
1 kilogram or

2.2 pounds

90 days

Medium Quantity Generator (MQG)

Less than 1,000 kilograms or 2,200 pounds but >100 kilograms or 220 pounds

Less than
1 kilogram or

2.2 pounds

180 days

Small Quantity Generator (SQG)

Less than 100 kilograms or 220 pounds

Less than
1 kilogram or 2.2 pounds

Indefinite
1.2.b.i  Large Quantity Generators

Large quantity generators must transport waste to a permitted treatment and disposal facility after accumulating waste in the CWAA for no more than 90 days. (WAC 173-303-200)

1.2.b.ii Medium Quantity Generators

Medium quantity generators must transport waste to a permitted treatment and disposal facility after accumulating waste in the CWAA for no more than 180 days (WAC 173-303-200).

1.2.b.iii   Small Quantity Generators

Small quantity waste generators transport wastes to a permitted treatment, storage, or disposal facility when amounts accumulated are less than, and do not exceed, the limits established in WAC 173-303-171(1)(c).

Contact EH&S for regulatory requirements for centralized waste accumulation areas; telephone 509-335-3041.

2.0     Requirements

2.1     Satellite Accumulation

Each laboratory, shop, or departmental building waste accumulation area at WSU is considered by regulatory agencies to be a satellite accumulation area. (WAC 173-303-040) See also Section 1.2.a.

Personnel accumulating chemical wastes at satellite accumulation areas must adhere to the requirements in Sections 2.1.a, 2.1.b, 2.1.c, and 2.2.

2.1.a    Container Management

Keep the container under control of the operator or in a secured (locked) area.

Close the container during accumulation, except when adding or removing waste.

Allow waste from only one process per container.

Place wastes in compatible containers.

2.1.a.i   Storage

Chemical waste must be stored safely, in accordance with the requirements of SPPM 8.12, 8.14, and 8.15, and the International Fire Code.

Secondary containment is required when spilled material might discharge to a sanitary sewer or stormwater. In other instances, secondary containment is recommended when feasible.

Chemical waste must not be stored in fume hoods unless waste is being added to the container or when venting to prevent the build-up of pressure.

2.1.a.ii  Time Limits

Mark the date on the container label and complete a Chemical Collection Request (see Section 3.0 and SPPM 5.66) when:

  • Fifty-five gallons of dangerous waste or one quart of acutely hazardous waste are accumulated;
  • Waste will no longer be generated; or
  • The container is filled.

The container must be moved to a centralized waste accumulation area within three days.

Note: If these waste volumes remain in a satellite accumulation area for more than three days, the area must meet the more stringent centralized waste accumulation area requirements. (See Section 1.2.b.)

2.1.b    Container Labeling

Mark each container with a label that clearly:

  • Identifies all of the chemical constituents,
  • Identifies the major hazard(s), and
  • Includes the words “Dangerous Waste.”

See SPPM 5.66 for labeling requirements.

2.1.c    Volume of Waste

The maximum total volume of all waste that may be accumulated in a satellite accumulation area is 55 gallons, unless the waste is acutely hazardous.

The maximum volume of acutely hazardous waste that may be accumulated in a satellite accumulation area is one quart.

See the EH&S website to view the Acutely Hazardous Waste List.

2.2     Centralized Waste Accumulation

EH&S operates centralized waste accumulation areas (CWAAs) at all campuses and research and extension centers (RECs). Some WSU locations may have multiple CWAAs supporting waste storage requirements. (See also Section 1.2.b.)

Each CWAA must be inspected and maintained in accordance with WAC 173-303 requirements. EHS may train locally designated personnel to assist as necessary based on staffing needs.

2.3     Laboratory or Shop Cleanouts

Laboratories or shops eliminating a large volume of chemicals due to staff departure, material expiration, or over-purchasing material (including receipt of donated material), are to contact the applicable EHS office prior to submitting Chemical Collection Requests. (See Section 3.0 and SPPM 5.66.)

EHS evaluates the material(s) present and identifies procedures for removal and management. EHS may assess a fee to departments or units for the evaluation and removal. (See the Safety requirements section of BPPM 60.74.)

3.0     Questions and Assistance

For accumulation questions, information, and assistance, contact the applicable campus EHS office:

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Revisions:  Aug. 2024 (Rev. 146); Oct. 2017 (Rev. 115); Jan. 2011 (Rev. 87); May 2000 (Rev. 31); May 1993 – new policy (Rev. 11).