All chemical waste generated at UBC must go through an  online approval process, using the Chemical Waste Inventory System (CWIS).It is higly recommended that waste generators complete the Laboratory Chemical Safety Course before using the CWIS.

Approved and properly packed waste must be taken  to the designated waste accumulation areas in your building or department. Generators should contact their facility managers or supervisors to find out where these locked areas are located and/or to obtain keys.

The purpose of this approval process is to ensure compliance with the federal, provincial and municipal bylaws, regulations and policies and to guide the disposal of hazardous waste. All UBC researchers, as users and generators of hazardous waste are personally responsible to ensure that compliance is met.

Some laboratory chemicals can be safely disposed of via the normal trash or sewer. Some laboratory chemicals can be safely disposed of via the normal trash or sewer. Check if your chemicals are included on the non-hazardous list.

The following waste streams are not acceptable for disposal by the Environmental Services Facility. The cost of removal and disposal by external contractor is the generators’ and/or their department’s responsibility. Please contact Valeriy Kichenko to make special arrangements for:

• Unknown chemicals
• Explosives and potentially explosive materials
• Compressed gas cylinders and lecture bottles of hazardous gases

Advantages of the CWIS:

• Expedites the approval process.
• Allows you to select your chemicals from an established list of 3,000+ chemicals.
• Allows you to submit your chemical waste inventory on-line.
• Provides you with answers to frequently asked questions.
• Ensures  your approval form that includes segregation and packaging instructions is emailed to you promptly.

Access the Chemical Waste Inventory System (CWIS).

NOTE: When using the CWIS, you must enter detailed and complete chemical waste information. Include the full chemical name (not acronyms, abbreviations, chemical formulas or product and commercial names).

For more information, contact:

Valeriy Kichenko
ESF Technician
valeriy.kichenko@ubc.ca
604.822.6306