Dear Michele,

                The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act outlines federal waste regulations that are concerned with solid waste disposal.  You’ll find that lightly contaminated fume hood ductwork that contains no gross corrosive contamination, or acutely toxic substance gross contamination does not fit into the category of hazardous waste. 

An easy way to avoid definitively having to classify the ductwork as hazardous waste or non-regulated solid is to decontaminate the ductwork and collect the wipes and rinsing liquid.  Discard the ductwork after the decontamination process via your non-hazardous scrap recycler or regular trash and dispose of the wipes and liquid via your hazardous waste vendor.  The wipes and liquid can be “waste pending analysis” until you have it tested for hazardous waste characteristics. 

Best Regards,

Kyle Angjelo

Senior Laboratory Safety Specialist

Princeton University EHS

262 Alexander St.

Princeton, NJ 08544

609-258-2711

kangjelo**At_Symbol_Here**princeton.edu

Does anyone know if ductwork used to ventilate hoods has to be disposed of as hazardous waste?  We are planning to replace/upgrade some fans and controllers.  Two hoods are used for extractions and acid procedures.   I was asked about need for hazardous disposal.  Certainly the chemicals we use in the hoods produce vapors that are hazards.  However, I am not sure whether that requires hazardous waste company.

Thanks,

Michele

Michele L. Wallace, LCACP, NRCC-CHO

Director, Product Integrity

6399 Weston Parkway  Cary, NC 27513
P: 919-678-2417 E: MWallace**At_Symbol_Here**cottoninc.com