How do you audit and monitor your hazardous waste management system in the lab?

1 Identify your waste streams

The first step in auditing and monitoring your hazardous waste management system is to identify and characterize your waste streams. This means knowing what types of hazardous waste you generate, how much, how often, and where. You also need to classify your waste according to the applicable federal, state, and local regulations, such as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), and determine the appropriate waste codes, labels, and manifests. You can use a waste inventory or a waste tracking system to document and update this information.

2 Evaluate your waste minimization practices

The next step is to evaluate your waste minimization practices, which are the actions you take to reduce the amount and toxicity of hazardous waste you generate. Waste minimization can help you save costs, conserve resources, and protect the environment. Some examples of waste minimization practices are substituting less hazardous materials, optimizing processes and procedures, recycling or reusing materials, and segregating incompatible wastes. You can use a waste minimization assessment or a waste audit checklist to review and improve your waste minimization practices.

4 Check your waste disposal options and records

The fourth step is to check your waste disposal options and records, which are the ways you dispose of your hazardous waste and the documentation you keep for accountability and traceability. Waste disposal options should be authorized and licensed by the relevant authorities and comply with the environmental standards and regulations. Some examples of waste disposal options are incineration, landfilling, treatment, or recycling by a certified waste management company. Waste disposal records should include the waste manifests, invoices, certificates of disposal, and reports of any incidents or violations. You can use a waste disposal audit or a waste disposal report to review and update your waste disposal options and records.

5 Implement corrective actions and improvements

The fifth step is to implement corrective actions and improvements, which are the measures you take to address any gaps, deficiencies, or non-compliances identified in the previous steps. Corrective actions and improvements should be timely, effective, and preventive. Some examples of corrective actions and improvements are repairing or replacing faulty containers, updating or revising labels or manifests, relocating or reorganizing storage areas, retraining or disciplining staff, or changing or terminating contracts with waste management companies. You can use a corrective action plan or a waste improvement plan to document and monitor your corrective actions and improvements.

6 Monitor and review your waste management system

The final step is to monitor and review your waste management system, which are the processes you use to measure, evaluate, and report on the performance and compliance of your waste management system. Monitoring and reviewing your waste management system should be continuous, periodic, and participatory. Some examples of monitoring and review processes are using indicators or metrics, conducting surveys or interviews, performing audits or inspections, or holding meetings or workshops. You can use a monitoring and review plan or a waste management report to communicate and improve your monitoring and review processes.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?