HAZARDOUS WASTE

Waste Minimization Program:  Waste Generation Cost Allocation Report

The monetary cost of chemical waste accrues in two portions, the cost per type of waste and the cost of handling and processing each additional container.

Waste Type Costs:

  • Some types of waste cost more for disposal than other types. For example, disposal of lecture bottles of poisonous gas have cost the University up to one-thousand dollars per container, while standard, bulk able flammable liquids can run as little as $2.00 per kilogram. See Chemical Waste Disposal Costs for a table detailing the disposal costs of common waste types.
  • In addition to the cost of disposal for the chemical quantity, the disposal cost includes the weight of the shipping materials, overpack etc., and the transportation and labor costs of the shipping contractor

Handling Costs:

  • Each container received by University personnel for disposal carries costs associated with the labor, transportation, storage, equipment, packaging and paperwork time. In general, each container designated for disposal costs $8. Proper segregation of waste can reduce these costs, but, alternatively, improper segregation can quickly drive these costs up. See Waste Segregation Guidelines .
  • In some cases, special transportation must be arranged or the waste must be sampled and analyzed. The handling costs associated with these containers will be much higher than the standard amount.

Interpreting the Cost Assessment Report

  • Generator: the person responsible for generating the waste.
  • Waste Type: the DOT (Department of Transportation) shipping label - a brief description of the waste characteristics. See Chemical Waste Types and Examples .
  • Acquisition Weight: the weight of the waste chemicals as entered on the pick-up request form.
  • Chemical Disposal Cost: costs determined by the waste disposal contractor.
  • Number of Containers: the basis of the associated handling charges.
  • Handling Cost: cost associated with disposing of all containers.
  • Total Cost: the cost of disposing of the waste chemicals - the chemical disposal costs plus the handling charges.