How to Use Chemical and Radioactive Hazardous Waste Tags

Principal investigators and program supervisors (for non-research waste generators) must have a WGN before Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) technicians can collect hazardous waste.

• Apply for a WGN.

For non-radioactive chemical waste, there are 2 ways to get tags:

• Online Tag Program (OTP):
  • Use the Online Tag Program to track your waste and print your own hazardous waste tags:
    • Contact the EH&S Environmental Management Facility, (858) 534-2753, to get a username and password.
    • Go to the Online Tag Program and follow instructions for completing and printing your own tags.
• Order tags from STORE, part #2188.

All of the following information below must appear on the chemical hazardous waste tag (as applicable). Incomplete information may result in a Waste Refusal Notice. Please write legibly.

• Accumulation start date: Fill in the accumulation start date — the date when waste materials are first placed in the container.
• Location: Check your location box, or write in your street address if it's not listed.
• WGN label and contact information: Attach a WGN label. Write in the contact information and building and room where the waste is located.
  • WGN labels are sent out when a waste generator number is issued. Read Waste Generator Number (WGN) Overview to learn how to request labels when you run out.
• Contents: List the name and quantity of every chemical in the container.
  • Chemical names must be specific. Nonspecific names (such as "organic waste," "waste solvents," "acid waste," etc.) are not acceptable.
  • Chemical formulas and abbreviated names are not acceptable.
  • List the percentage of each liquid, totaling 100%. Include water.
  • If consolidating different materials in the waste container, write in the contents section: "See attached log sheet." Attach a separate log sheet listing the following information:
    • Specific chemical names of materials added to the container
    • Quantity of each material added
    • Date and name of the person adding the waste material
• Fill date: Enter the date when the container is full. This is the last thing you enter before requesting hazardous waste collection.
• Hazard class and physical form: Check the appropriate hazard class and physical form. If the hazard class is not listed, write it in.
• Collection date: Leave this blank. EH&S technicians will fill it in when they collect the waste.

Order radioactive waste tags from STORE, part #2189.

All of the following information below must appear on the radioactive waste tag (as applicable). Incomplete information may result in a Waste Refusal Notice. Please write legibly. Fill out tags properly and completely to avoid violations and possible penalties from regulators.

• WGN label: Attach a WGN label. Write in the contact information and building and room where the waste is located.
  • WGN labels are sent out when a waste generator number is issued. Read Waste Generator Number (WGN) Overview to learn how to request labels when you run out.
• Isotope and activity: List each isotope and its activity separately.
• Chemical composition of liquids, biohazards, and infectious agents: Give a full description of contents other than isotopes. This includes chemicals, biohazards, and infectious agents.
  • Chemical names must be specific. Nonspecific names (such as "organic waste," "waste solvents," "acid waste," etc.) are not acceptable.
  • Chemical formulas and abbreviated names are not acceptable.
  • List the percentage of each liquid, totaling 100%. Include water.
  • List the method used to disinfect biohazardous components.
• Scintillation cocktails: Use brand names for identifying scintillation cocktails.

By law, hazardous waste containers must be properly labeled for waste to be stored, transported, or disposed. If information is missing from your container's tag when EH&S technicians come to collect it, they may not be able to accept the waste. If this happens, they'll leave a Waste Refusal Notice.

If you receive a Waste Refusal Notice:

• Complete the missing information described on the Waste Refusal Notice before the next scheduled collection day. EH&S technicians will automatically return to collect the waste on the next scheduled collection day. If corrections have not been made, technicians will not be able to collect it.
• Upon second refusal, an EH&S technician will contact the waste generator to assist in correctly completing the tag and scheduling the waste for collection.
• If you have questions about why your waste was refused for collection, contact the EH&S Environmental Management Facility, (858) 534-2753.