BEST PRACTICES

Even when not required by environmental regulations, the following best practices are recommended.

• Only the waste generator may add waste to the Satellite Accumulation Area (SAA). The waste generator will have the most knowledge about the characteristics of the waste and will be in the best position to ensure the waste is properly labelled and not mixed with incompatible wastes. Poorly labelled waste or improper mixtures may require additional analysis or cause accidents.
• Every waste container in the Satellite Accumulation Area should be labelled with the words "Hazardous Waste", the common chemical name or names of the waste (not chemical formula), and hazardous properties.
• Consider keeping a log to record the date, amount and type of waste added to the SAA to prevent the mixing of incompatibles.
• Be sure container labels are compatible with the waste type. Some inks and markers may run or become illegible on contact with some solvents. Some adhesive labels may fall off or be damaged on contact with solvents, acid or bases. Better yet, use waste tags that attach to the containers with a wire tie.
• The SAA must be under the control of the generator, who should be accountable for managing the waste in the area.
• The ideal SAA would have containers stored in an area without floor drains and with secondary containment, either small tubs for containers of compatible wastes or drum tubs for drums. Secondary containment should be able to contain 100% of the largest container within it or 10% of the total volume of containers held within the secondary containment.
• SAAs should be located away from doorways, walkways or other means of egress.
• SAAs that accumulate flammable liquids such as organic solvents must also meet fire safety code requirements, such as storage in a ventilated flammables cabinet with a fire extinguisher nearby.
• Do not accumulate flammable liquids in glass containers. Red metal safety cans should be used.
• Secondary containment tubs of multiple containers should be compatible with the wastes they hold and hold only wastes that are compatible with each other.
• Do not store usable chemicals, reagents or unmarked bottles in the SAA. These may be mistaken for improperly labeled waste.