Hazardous Waste Standard

On this page

• Locations, hours, bookings and contact information
• Waste profile forms (required at each drop-off and pick-up) 
• Chemical Waste Segregation (SO2070) online training module
• Waste Segregation

Waste segregation and handling

All hazardous waste generated at the University is disposed of through the Environmental Safety Facility (ESF). For our personnel to efficiently and safely handle the wastes, they must be segregated where they are generated.

Segregation, packaging, and labelling instructions are provided for each type of waste you are likely to generate. Please do not bring household waste to the ESF. The ESF is strictly for the collection and handling of wastes generated at the University of Waterloo.

If you create, segregate, package or label hazardous waste, you are required to complete the Chemical Waste Segregation (SO2070) online training module in LEARN. All researchers, students, and faculty members working in research laboratories in the Faculties of Science, Engineering, and Health must complete this course.

Waste drop-off and pickup

The most efficient method of removing properly segregated, packaged and labelled waste from a laboratory is for the individual responsible for generating the waste to bring it to one of the waste drop-off locations on campus at a consistent interval. Do not store waste longer than it is needed, it can lead to dangerous situations. If you intend on removing six or more items of waste from your location, you will need to pre-arrange a waste pick-up, contact the ESF.

Waste drop-off procedures have changed. Please ensure waste bottles (liquids and solids) are accompanied by a Waste Profile Form. The form should mimic the label, indicating percentages and concentrations of materials within the containers. 

Download the Waste Profile Form (how to fill it out).

Locations, hours, bookings and contact information

Booking an appointment

Appointments are required to dispose of waste at our waste facilities. Use the waste booking calendar to book an appointment. Book appointments using the links in the table below. Bookings must be made using a WatIam address. Individuals without an appointment will be turned away. 

Labelling

All items must be fully labelled using a waste label and the Waste Profile Form must be filled out before leaving the lab to come to the waste facility. 

Fillable waste labels are provided by the Safety Office and may be picked up from your waste facility during your appointment, or from the Safety Office at COM 116.

Alternatively, labs can choose to fill out labels on a computer and print them themselves. If using the printable template labels, laboratories must use at a minimum water-resistant permanent adhesive labels to reduce the chance of label damage or loss of label during transport. Bottles with labels printed on paper or standard mailing labels will not be accepted. The following templates are available:

• Avery 60503 Waste Labels – This template has four labels per page and is recommended for most bottles. Can be printed on Avery 60503 or Avery 61532
• Avery 60502 Waste Labels – This template has two labels per page and is recommended for use on 4L bottles or larger when additional space is needed to write contents. Can be printed on Avery 60502, Avery 06579, Avery 35526, Avery 6579

Transporting

All chemical waste must be transported in secondary containment. See the Transporting Waste Guideline for more details.

Lab clean-outs

Lab clean-outs require more resources than can be accommodated during a regular waste drop-off appointment. These must be scheduled outside of facility operating hours by contacting esf@uwaterloo.ca. 

UW Waste drop-off locations and hours of operation

Additional resources and information

• Hazardous Waste Log - for laboratory use to track waste composition internally
• Waste Profile Form
• Transporting Waste Guideline
• Unknown Chemical Analysis Billing Sheet - Unknowns will not be accepted at ESF unless accompanied by this completed form.