To request containers for chemical, biological or other wastes contact Environmental Health and Safety – Hazardous Material Management (EHS – HMM) by Emailing us – EHS-HazardousMaterials@austin.utexas.edu or by contacting EHS by phone (512) 471-3511. Most container requests can be filled within 24 hours of receipt.
You are permitted to reuse empty containers that are compatible with the waste stream you are generating. Examples include but are not limited to 4L glass bottles previously containing commercial chemicals, 20 L metal drums, or lamp boxes. If you are unsure if a container is appropriate please reach out to EHS – HMM by Emailing us – EHS-HazardousMaterials@austin.utexas.edu or by contacting EHS by phone (512) 471-3511.
NOTE: Prior to using any container for accumulation of waste you must inspect the container for damage.
If a container holding hazardous waste is not in good condition or if it begins to leak, the generator must transfer the waste from this container to a container that is in good condition, over-pack the container, or manage the waste in some other way that prevents a potential for a release or contamination. Please contact EHS – HMM, (512) 471-3511, if assistance is required.
Chemical Waste Containers
Containers larger than 6.5 gallons (25 liters) are approved on a case-by-case basis.
- 1 gallon (4 Liter) Poly Coated amber bottle with vented cap – For reactive wastes such as Piranha Solution and Aqua Reagia
- 5 gallon (20 Liter) tight head poly drum – For regulated or hazardous liquid waste streams
- 5 gallon (20 Liter) open head metal drum – For silica, sodium sulfate waste stream
- 6.5 gallon (25 Liter) open head poly drum – For regulated or hazardous solid waste streams
- 30 gallon (114 Liter) tight head poly drum – For regulated or hazardous liquid waste streams
- 30 gallon (114 Liter) open head poly drum – For regulated or hazardous solid waste streams
- 55 gallon (208 Liter) tight head poly drum – For regulated or hazardous liquid waste streams
- 55 gallon (208 Liter) open head poly drum – For regulated or hazardous solid waste streams
Biological Waste Containers
- 1 gallon sharps container – For all sharps and contaminated sharp-like waste streams
- 5 quart sharps container – For all sharps and contaminated sharp-like waste streams (Clinics Only)
- 2 gallon sharps container – For all sharps and contaminated sharp-like waste streams
- 8 gallon sharps container – For all sharps and contaminated sharp-like waste streams
- 8 cu. ft. Biohazardous Box/Red Bag Unit – For untreated biological solid waste disposal
Note: Do not use Red bags, Sharps containers (Biohazard), or Asbestos bags for hazardous chemical waste collection. A sharps container can be used to collect chemically contaminated sharp-like waste but the generator must follow procedures for chemical waste management.
Other Waste Containers
- 4’ lamp drums
- 4’ lamp box (available upon request – potential lead time of 5 business days)
- 8’ lamp box (available upon request – potential lead time of 5 business days)
- Cubic Yard box – For special projects and bulk low-hazard waste streams
If a container is needed that is not listed above the waste generator will be responsible for the purchase cost of the container. EHS – HMM can assist in procurement or sourcing dependent on the project.