Here is the Georgia Tech Hazardous Waste Policy.

Federal, state, and local governments impose strict regulations concerning the management, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials.  Compliance with these laws, good safety practices, and the necessity to avoid future liabilities dictate that the Institute take a conservative approach in handling this material.

The term “hazardous waste” as used in this manual means any substance no longer of use to the possessor whose chemical or biological properties have the potential to endanger personnel, material, or the environment if handled improperly.  Hazardous waste includes, but is not limited to, items specifically identified as “hazardous waste” under federal and state statutes.

Research groups/organizations shall not arrange for off or on site disposal of hazardous material or use the Institute’s EPA ID number without prior coordination with GT EHS.  This does not preclude the routine transfer of chemicals between GT laboratories or the use of the GT EPA ID number on research proposals.

Georgia Tech EHS is charged with ensuring that all hazardous waste generated at Georgia Tech is handled properly.  Within specific activities, EHS will provide advice and technical assistance.  However, it is the responsibility of each individual to know the possible dangers associated with any material being used or generated, and know how the material should be handled and disposed of BEFORE A PROJECT IS BEGUN.

Materials for which GT EHS is responsible include:

  • Chemical waste to include Highly Toxic Material.
  • Highly Toxic Material is any chemical which is either specifically identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as an “acute hazard” or has a Lethal Dose 50 (LD50) of 50 mg/kg or less oral-rat.  Samples include inorganic cyanides, many pesticides, arsenic compounds, etc.   Here is a listing of EPA listed “acute hazards”.
  • Used oil (handle the same as chemical waste).
  • Biological/Infectious Waste.
  • Fluorescent Bulbs and Ballast
  • Batteries.
  • Asbestos
  • Lead-Based Paint
  • Radioactive waste, to include mixed waste (chemical and radiological), is the responsibility of the Office of Radiological Safety (404-894-3605).

 Material for Which EHS is NOT Responsible:

  • Broken glass, whose only danger comes from its ability to inflict wounds, is not considered hazardous waste.  Activities which anticipate generating broken glass should obtain puncture proof containers and dispose of the material appropriately.

Computers and related equipment (monitors, keyboards, scanners, etc.) and parts (cards, cords, etc.) are an environmental concern.  Most components contain metals such as lead, which are regulated by the Environmental Protections Agency, and, hence, cannot be disposed of as normal trash.  When these items are replaced or otherwise no longer needed, they need to be disposed of properly.  At Georgia Tech, all such items, whether or not they carry a Georgia Tech Inventory number, are to be processed through Capital Assets Accounting.  Specific procedures can be found at: http://www.procurement.gatech.edu/logistics.php