Chemical Waste

Georgetown University manages laboratory hazardous chemical waste according to Chapters 42 and 43, Title 20 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR) as well as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Hazardous waste is defined as any waste or combination of waste which because of its quantity, quality, concentration, physical, chemical, or infectious characteristics could cause or significantly contribute to adverse effects in the health and safety of humans or the environment if improperly managed. Examples of chemical waste can include:

•  Expired chemicals.
• Broken thermometers and any items containing mercury.
• Non-returnable gas cylinders and lecture bottles (18 inches max).
• Materials used for clean-up of chemical spills.
• Used oil of any type.
•  Photographic film processing solutions.
• Lead shielding and lead scrap (no radioactive contamination).

Please refer to the Hazardous Waste Management page on how to submit chemical waste requests.