Hazardous waste storage rules poster

Most hazardous waste findings in an audit are simple container faults: a lid left open, no label, no date, a leaking drum, incompatible wastes side by side. This poster sets out the container rules a hazardous waste storage area runs on, based on the US EPA generator regulations: labelled with the words hazardous waste and the hazard, closed except when adding or removing waste, in good condition, compatible and kept apart from incompatibles, inspected weekly and shipped within the storage time limit. Local and state rules may add more.

Download the poster

The PNG is free to download now. The print-ready vector PDFs open after a short form, once.

Download PNG (300 dpi)2550 x 3300 px, prints at 8.5 x 11 in · 424 KB · no form

Free to print and share with your team. Enter your name and work email once to download.

The words on the poster

Hazardous waste storage

Every container, every day: labelled, closed, dated and checked.

Labelled Hazardous waste, its hazard, and the date if required.
Closed Lid on, except when adding or removing waste.
In good condition No leaks, rust or bulging. Move waste out of a bad one.
Compatible and apart Container suits the waste. Incompatible wastes kept apart.
Inspected weekly For leaks and damage, and recorded.
Shipped on time Before the storage time limit for your site.

Never mix wastes, pour them down a drain or put them in general waste.

Area owner: ____
Storage time limit here: ____

After US EPA generator rules, 40 CFR 262 and 265. Your permit and local rules may add more.

On the floor

How to use it

Putting the Hazardous waste storage rules poster to work

1
Post it at every hazardous waste storage area.
2
Fill in the blanks for the area owner and the storage time limit that applies to your site.
3
Use it as the checklist for the weekly inspection, and keep the record.
4
Pair it with the spill response poster and the free chemical inventory and SDS register.

Where the poster goes and how to teach with it, in the order to try them.

Which size to print

24 x 36 in or A2: a main wall or team board, read from a few metres away.
18 x 24 in or A3: a station or notice board. The A3 file also fits 11 x 17 in paper.
Letter or A4: a clipboard, binder or handout, on any office printer.

Every PDF is vector, so it stays sharp at full size. Nothing runs to the edge of the page, so no bleed is needed.

Sources and notes

The rules depend on how much hazardous waste a site generates and where it is. The poster gives the common container rules for a storage area; your permit, state or national rules decide the storage time limit, the inspection frequency at collection points and any extra labelling.