Many different types of waste are generated at the University. Some of this waste is regulated by local, state, and federal environmental regulations due to its potential to harm people or the environment. Generators of these waste are responsible for the proper collection, handling, labeling and storage of these waste in their work area.
Contact EHRS at 215-707-2520 if you have any questions regarding the handling or disposal of a hazardous or regulated waste.
No regulated waste should be placed in general trash, flushed down drains or otherwise inappropriately disposed.
Biological Waste
All biological, infectious, and chemotherapeutic waste that is generated at the University must be properly managed and disposed.
Chemical Waste
The proper disposal of waste chemical at Temple University is necessary to meet our stewardship and regulatory compliance requirements.
- Chemical Waste Management Manual
This online manual is a written plan to address how the University manages all chemical waste (hazardous and non-hazardous) generated from university laboratories, support services and operations to ensure disposal is done in compliance with applicable federal, state and local regulations. - Chemical Waste Pickup Request
Individuals may submit chemical waste disposal request to Environmental Health and Radiation Safety - Laboratory Chemical Waste Management
EHRS provides information and guidance on specific chemical waste streams generated within University laboratories.
Controlled Substances
Controlled substances that are expired or are no longer of use to your research must be disposed of through a reverse distributor.
Electronic Equipment
“E-Waste. “electronic waste”, and “e-scrap” are terms used to describe used electronics that are nearing the end of their useful life, and are disposed, donated, or give to a recycler.
Radioactive Waste
Radioactive waste is generated by both medical and research used of radioactive material within the University and affiliated hospitals.
- Radioactive Waste Pickup Request
Individuals may submit radioactive waste disposal request to Environmental Health and Radiation Safety.
Universal Waste
Federal and state regulations identify eight categories of materials that can be managed as Universal Waste: Batteries, Lamps, Mercury-Containing Equipment, Thermostats, Pesticides, Oil-based Finishes, Photographic Solutions and Aerosol Cans.
- Universal Waste Pickup Request
Individuals may submit universal waste disposal request to Environmental Health and Radiation Safety
Resources
EHRS offers a wide variety of training courses to increase your knowledge, improve your ability to recognize and mitigate risk, and help maintain a safe work environment.
Forms/Postings
Forms
Chemical Waste
- Pickup Request Form — PDF Format - Fax to 2-1600 when completed.
- Pickup Request Form — Fill Out Online
- Chemical Waste Handout
- Request for Analysis of Unknown Material Form
- Request to Dispose of Potentially Explosive Chemicals (PEC) - For use with Peroxide Forming Chemicals. Click here for more information.
Radiation Waste
- Pickup Request Form — PDF Format - Fax to to 2-1600 when completed.
- Pickup Request Form — Fill Out Online
Waste Management Program Guide
- General Information
- Chemical Waste Disposal
- Chemical Waste Storage
- Hazardous Chemical Waste Defined
- Leaving the University
- Satellite Accumulation Areas (SAA)
- Satellite Accumulation Area sign (for posting in SAA)
Waste Disposal Guides
- Battery Disposal Guide
- Compressed Gas Cylinder Disposal
- DEA Controlled Substance Disposal
- Empty Container Disposal
- Ethidium Bromide Disposal
- Laboratory Sharps Disposal Quick Reference Chart
- Photographic Film and Spent Fixer Disposal Guide
- RCRA Hazardous Drug/Pharmaceutical Disposal Chart
- Unknown Chemical Waste Disposal
- New Hazardous Waste Tag Requirements and FAQ
- Chemical Segregation and Storage Chart
Waste Minimization Guides
- Chemical Redistribution Program
- Chemical Redistribution List (chemicals available from EHRS)
- Chemical Waste Minimization
- Mercury Thermometer Exchange Program
- Solvent Recycling
Relevant Handbook Policies
- 2.1 - Classification of Wastes
- 2.2 - Generic Waste Policy
- 2.3 - Infectious or Biological Waste Policy
- 2.4 - Management of Infectious or Biological Waste
- 2.5 - Management of Chemotherapeutic Waste
- 2.6 - Management of Municipal Waste
- 2.7 - Management of Spent Gas Cylinders
- 2.8 - Management of Chemical Waste
- 2.8f - Hazardous / Chemical Waste Removal Request Form
- 2.9 - Chemical Waste Minimization and Recycling
- 2.10 - Management of Radioactive Waste
- 2.11 - Manifesting Infectious and Chemotherapeutic Waste
- 2.12 - Management of Universal Waste
- 2.13 - Management of Silver Fixer Waste
- 2.14 - DOT Hazardous Material Security Plan