Hazardous Waste

Hazardous Waste Management

Hazardous waste disposal is governed by the EPA and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) through State and Federal regulations. The purpose of environmentally sound disposal methods is to prevent harm to the water, land, and air. The Hazardous Materials Management Division is responsible for managing Chemical, Biological, and Universal waste under the Solid Waste Rules. Chemical waste is regulated by rules 40 CFR 261 and 30 TAC 335. Universal waste is managed under 40 CFR 273 and 30 TAC 335.262. Biological Waste is regulated by the Texas Department of State Health Services). All waste generated at UTSA facilities will be collected and managed under the Hazardous Waste and Biological Management Safety Plans. Radiation waste is regulated by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Policies & Standards

The University of Texas at San Antonio is a "Large Quantity Generator" of hazardous waste and as such is registered through EPA and TCEQ with its unique Generator Registration I.D.s. Hazardous Materials Management will assist any department in determining its hazardous waste disposal needs and manage them according to their requirements.

Generators are responsible for following the University waste management protocols and ensuring that all waste generators are properly trained in management of their hazardous waste. UTSA HOP 10.16 Hazardous Waste Management Program provides guidelines for the administration of UTSA’s Hazardous Waste Management Program.

Removal of Hazardous Waste

Containers

HMM will provide standardized 2 ½ gallon polypropylene hazardous waste containers for liquid waste on a one-for-one swap. If additional containers are needed, waste generators can submit their request via BioRaft.

Sharp Containers

Universal Waste

TCEQ identifies Universal Waste as Hazardous Waste but is exempted from reporting on our annual waste summary. However, UTSA must still manage this waste and dispose of it properly. Labeling requirement for Universal Waste must adhere to TCEQ requirement.

The following are identified as Universal Waste:

Lamps
- Fluorescent, high intensity discharge, neon, mercury vapor, high pressure sodium, and metal halide lamps.
Aerosol Cans
- Aerosol cans are defined as non-refillable receptacles containing a gas compressed, liquefied, or dissolved under pressure, the sole purpose is to expel a liquid, paste or powder and fitted with a self-closing release device allowing the contents to be ejected by the gas. They can contain flammable propellants such as propane or butane which causes the aerosol can to have hazardous characteristics for ignitability, thus could be a hazardous waste when discarded.
Batteries
- Batteries should never be discarded in normal trash. Many batteries contain toxic metals that are harmful to the environment. Because of their toxic metals, batteries are subject to hazardous waste standards and are regulated as Universal Waste under state and federal regulations. This encourages proper recycling through HMM as part of our waste management program.
  - Common Types of Batteries include:
    - Alkaline
    - Nickle Cadmium (NiCd)
    - Nickle Metal Hydride (NiMH)
    - Lithium Ion (Li-ion)
    - Lithium Metal (Li)
    - Lead Acid
  - Less Common Types of Batteries Include:
    - Mercury
    - Zinc-Carbon
    - Silver-Oxide
- Alkaline batteries are commonly found as single use AAA, AA, C, D, and 9-volt batteries. Although these batteries could be disposed of in normal trash, they can be turned in to HMM for proper disposal. Rechargeable batteries such as button cell, cellphone or laptop batteries typically use lithium batteries and should be turn in to HMM for proper disposal. Lead Acid batteries can be found used in telecommunication facilities, emergency generators or mechanical rooms. Auto batteries are handled by the Auto Shop and traded into the supplier on a one-for-one basis.
Mercury Containing Devices
- The type of mercury containing devices include but are not limited to:
  - Laboratory thermometers
  - Older thermostats
  - Tartan flooring
  - Manometers
  - Switches
  - Barometers
- All mercury containing devices are subject to hazardous waste standards and are regulated as Universal Waste under state and federal regulations to encourage proper recycling of these materials. HMM will manage and properly dispose of these mercury containing devices.
Paints and Paint Related Waste
- Types of paint and paint related materials include but not limited to:
  - Acrylic
  - Latex
  - Oil-base
  - Enamel
  - Anti-corrosive
  - Synthetic
- All paints are subject to hazardous waste standards and are regulated as Universal Waste under state and federal regulations.
- View Regulations

Penalties of Noncompliance

Submitting Waste Request

Generators of hazardous waste and biological waste will use the link below to request waste pick up. Remember, HMM has an internal policy of no more than 3 workdays to pick up the waste. This allows HMM to schedule in case of manpower shortage.
Submitting Chemical and Biological Waste (PDF)

Labeling

All waste containers must be labeled with a complete chemical waste tag immediately upon the start of accumulating waste. The tag must be completed by the waste generator. The information on the tag is used to categorize and treat the waste; fill the waste tag out legibly, accurately, and completely.
Filling Out Hazardous Waste Labels (PDF)

Biological Waste Boxes and Liners

HMM will provide standardized biological cardboard boxes and red liners on a one-for-one basis. If additional containers or liners are needed, generators can submit their request via BioRaft. Use the link below for proper packing guidelines.
HMM Biological Packing Guidelines (PDF)