Waste Disposal
EPA waste classification (RCRA D/F/K/P/U) and EU waste-code lookup. Pick a lab waste stream, or type a chemical to get its likely codes, GHS hazards and disposal guidance, with each code explained in plain language so you know how it is actually disposed of.
How to use this tool
Find out how a lab waste is classified and how it should be disposed of before your hauler collects it. Two ways in: pick the waste stream that matches the container, or look up a single chemical by name or CAS.
What to enter
- Waste stream: choose the category that fits your waste: solvents, acids & bases, toxic & heavy metals (incl. mercury and silver/fixer), reactives & oxidisers, aqueous & solids, universal wastes (batteries, aerosol cans), and specialised streams (waste oil, pesticide/biocide, formalin).
- By chemical: type part of a name (e.g. chloroform) or a CAS number (e.g. 67-66-3). The tool resolves identity and GHS hazards live, then derives the likely RCRA codes from the authoritative EPA tables built into the page.
Reading the result
You get the typical US EPA / RCRA code, the EU List-of-Waste code (an asterisk means hazardous), a plain-language “how to dispose” line tied to the regulation, and a routing note (which container, what never to mix). Each code is then expanded with its CFR citation, what it means, and the disposal pathway it implies. The coloured border flags how hazardous the waste is. Your licensed hauler's profile is always the final authority.
Worked example
Pick halogenated solvent (CHCl₃, DCM) and you get EPA F002 / D001, EU 14 06 02*, routed to a separate halogenated-organic container, and the disposal line tells you it goes to permitted high-temperature incineration or solvent reclamation, never landfill or drain.
Classification & Disposal
EPA is the US RCRA code, EU the six-digit List-of-Waste code, an asterisk (*) marks it hazardous. The coloured border flags how hazardous the waste is. By-chemical codes are an indicative classification derived from GHS and the EPA tables; actual codes depend on concentration and use. This is not legal advice, your licensed hauler's waste profile is always the final authority.
About waste codes
US RCRA assigns characteristic codes (D-series: ignitable D001, corrosive D002, reactive D003, toxic D004–D043) and listed codes (F spent-solvents, P acutely-hazardous and U toxic discarded chemicals). The EU classifies via the List of Waste (LoW) six-digit codes with an asterisk for hazardous. Some streams take a dedicated regime: batteries, aerosol cans and mercury devices fall under the US Universal Waste rule (40 CFR 273), which allows simplified accumulation and recycling, while spent lubricating oils are managed as used oil under 40 CFR 279. This tool gives the typical classification and segregation route; your licensed hauler's profile is authoritative.
Sources & limits
- Codes and disposal pathways: US EPA 40 CFR 261 (hazardous waste, 261.21–261.24 characteristics, 261.31 F-list, 261.33 P/U lists), 273 (universal waste), 279 (used oil); EU Commission Decision 2000/532/EC (List of Waste).
- By-chemical lookups read identity and GHS hazards live from PubChem via a same-origin proxy, and pull HSDB disposal-method text where available. RCRA codes are then derived client-side from the EPA tables, concentration and use determine the real classification.
- These are typical classifications for guidance only, not legal advice. Always confirm against the substance SDS and your licensed hauler's waste profile.