Corrosive Waste At SFSU

Back to Types of Waste Disposals At SFSU

Corrosive waste includes substances that can destroy or irreversibly damage materials or living tissue upon contact. These materials are typically acidic (low pH) or alkaline (high pH) and pose a risk to health, equipment, and the environment if not properly managed.

Characteristics of Corrosive Waste:
• Has a pH of ≤ 2 (strong acids) or ≥ 12.5 (strong bases).
• Can corrode metal containers or structures.
• Causes chemical burns on contact with skin or mucous membranes.

Corrosive Waste Information

  • Acids: Hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid.
  • Bases: Sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, ammonia solutions.
  • Corrosive cleaning agents and etching solutions.
  • Industrial solvents or solutions containing high alkalinity or acidity.

Environmental Health & Safety: Dipak Janda (Dk) 

Email: Dipakjanda@sfsu.edu

Telephone: (415)-542-8046

  • Corrosion-Resistant Containers: Made of compatible materials such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or glass for acids and bases.
  • Secondary Containment: Spill trays or bins to prevent leaks or spills from damaging
    storage areas.
  • Securely Sealed Containers: To avoid exposure to air or accidental spills

Labels must include:

  • “Hazardous Waste – Corrosive” or a similar designation.
  • Full chemical name(s) and concentration (if known).
  • Date of accumulation.
  • Handling instructions, such as "Do Not Open Near Water.

90 days in satellite accumulation areas (SAAs), as per regulatory guidelines

Trained laboratory staff or Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) personnel transfer corrosive waste to the designated hazardous waste storage area. The waste is stored in the Hazardous Waste Storage Facility, segregated by waste type and
compatibility to prevent dangerous reactions

Corrosive waste is picked up monthly or more frequently, depending on the volume generated and regulatory requirements

• Transported by a licensed hazardous waste disposal vendor.
• Treated via methods such as:

  • Neutralization: Adjusting the pH to render the waste non-hazardous.
  • Chemical Stabilization: Reducing reactivity for safe disposal.

• After treatment, residues may be sent to hazardous waste landfills or recycling facilities

Contact Information

For further information about the Corrosive Waste Management Program at SFSU or how you can get involved, please contact:

Environmental Compliance Specialist

Dipak Janda (Dk)