Lab Pack Hazardous Waste Disposal Services
Professional Lab Packing for Laboratories, Research Facilities & Industries Nationwide
Lab packing is the process of safely consolidating multiple small containers of incompatible chemicals into DOT-approved drums for compliant transportation and disposal. Hazardous Waste Disposal provides expert lab pack services for laboratories, research facilities, manufacturing plants, and any facility with multiple small-quantity hazardous materials.
Call (800) 582-4833 for lab pack services or email info@hazardouswastedisposal.com
What is Lab Pack Waste?
Lab pack waste consists of multiple small containers of different chemicals packaged together in an overpack drum with absorbent material. This method is required when facilities have numerous small quantities of varied chemicals that cannot be bulked together.
Typical Lab Pack Contents:
Laboratory reagents and chemicals
Expired research materials
Small chemical containers (less than 5 gallons)
Incompatible materials requiring segregation
Mixed chemical inventories
Sample containers
Standards and calibration solutions
Analytical testing materials
Why Lab Packing is Required:
Incompatible chemicals cannot be mixed
Small quantities make individual disposal uneconomical
Segregation required by DOT regulations
Safer transportation of diverse materials
Regulatory compliance for generator categories
Facilities That Need Lab Pack Services
Research & Academic Laboratories
University research facilities
College chemistry labs
K-12 school science departments
Community college laboratories
Research institutions
Private research facilities
Healthcare & Clinical
Hospital laboratories
Clinical testing labs
Pathology laboratories
Research hospitals
Veterinary laboratories
Diagnostic facilities
Industrial & Manufacturing
Quality control laboratories
R&D facilities
Testing laboratories
Production facilities with QC labs
Pilot plants
Process development labs
Government & Military
Federal research facilities
Military laboratories
Government agencies
Defense research
Municipal testing labs
Environmental monitoring labs
Private Sector
Analytical testing services
Contract research organizations (CROs)
Biotechnology companies
Pharmaceutical research
Environmental consulting labs
Food testing laboratories
What Materials Require Lab Packing?
Laboratory Chemicals
Acids: Sulfuric, hydrochloric, nitric, phosphoric, acetic
Bases: Sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide
Solvents: Acetone, methanol, ethanol, toluene, xylene, hexane
Oxidizers: Hydrogen peroxide, permanganates, chromates
Flammables: Alcohols, acetone, ether, petroleum products
Reactives: Sodium metal, potassium, organic peroxides
Toxics: Heavy metal solutions, cyanides, mercury compounds
Research Materials
Expired chemicals past shelf life
Deteriorated reagents
Unlabeled containers (unknown materials)
Off-specification materials
Failed experiments
Contaminated samples
Discontinued research materials
Standards & Calibration
pH buffer solutions
Spectrophotometry standards
Chromatography standards
Atomic absorption standards
Calibration solutions
Reference materials
Specialty Items
Photographic chemicals
Staining solutions
Fixatives and preservatives
Culture media
Extraction solvents
Derivatization reagents
EPA Lab Pack Regulations
Generator Categories
Your facility's generator category determines lab pack requirements:
Large Quantity Generator (LQG):
Generate >1,000 kg/month (2,200 lbs)
90-day accumulation limit
Full RCRA compliance required
EPA ID number required
Personnel training mandatory
Small Quantity Generator (SQG):
Generate 220-2,200 lbs per month
180-day accumulation limit (270 days if disposal >200 miles)
EPA ID number required
Basic training requirements
Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG):
Generate <220 lbs per month
Minimal requirements
Proper disposal still required
No EPA ID needed
Lab Pack Requirements
Proper Documentation:
Complete chemical inventory
Hazard classification
EPA waste codes
DOT shipping names
Emergency contact information
Segregation Rules:
Separate incompatible chemicals
Group by hazard class when possible
Never mix reactive materials
Isolate oxidizers
Keep acids and bases separate
Water-reactive materials require special handling
Container Standards:
Original containers when possible
Properly sealed and labeled
No leaking containers
Compatible with chemical contents
DOT-approved overpacks
Our Lab Pack Services
Complete Lab Pack Service
We provide comprehensive lab pack services from start to finish:
On-site inventory and assessment
Chemical identification
Hazard classification
EPA waste code determination
Segregation planning
DOT-compliant packaging
All documentation and manifests
Transportation and disposal
Certificates of destruction
Process:
Schedule service
Our technicians arrive on-site
Inventory all materials
Classify and segregate chemicals
Pack into DOT-approved drums with absorbent
Complete all paperwork
Transport to approved disposal facilities
Provide certificates of destruction
Lab Cleanout Services
For laboratory closures, relocations, or major cleanouts:
Complete chemical inventory removal
Equipment decommissioning
Glassware disposal
Contaminated materials removal
Unknown chemical identification
Regulatory compliance assistance
Coordination with facility schedules
Minimal disruption to operations
Unknown Chemical Identification
Don't know what's in those old containers?
We provide:
Visual assessment
Hazard class determination
Testing if necessary
Proper classification
Safe packaging and disposal
Never required to open unknown containers yourself - we handle it safely.
Waste Characterization
Need help determining EPA waste codes?
We provide:
Process knowledge documentation
Sampling and analysis
Generator knowledge documentation
EPA waste code determination
State-specific classification
Packaging Materials Supply
We provide all necessary materials:
DOT-approved overpack drums (20, 30, 55-gallon)
Vermiculite or other approved absorbents
Inner container packaging materials
Labels and placards
Packing lists
Manifests
Lab Pack Segregation Guidelines
Flammable Liquids
Pack together separate from other hazard classes
Examples: Acetone, methanol, ethanol, hexane, toluene
Corrosive Acids
Pack together but separate from bases
Examples: Sulfuric, hydrochloric, nitric, acetic acid
Corrosive Bases
Pack together but separate from acids
Examples: Sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide
Oxidizers
Pack separately - highly reactive
Examples: Hydrogen peroxide, permanganates, chromates, nitrates
Reactives & Water-Reactives
Require special packaging and segregation
Examples: Sodium metal, potassium, organic peroxides, phosphorus
Toxic Materials
Can often be packed with compatible materials of same hazard class
Examples: Heavy metal solutions, pesticides, toxic organics
Poisons & Highly Toxic
Special handling and segregation required
Examples: Cyanides, arsenic compounds, certain pesticides
Never Pack Together:
Acids + bases
Oxidizers + flammables
Oxidizers + organics
Water-reactives + aqueous solutions
Cyanides + acids
Sulfides + acids
Lab Pack Disposal Costs
Cost Factors:
Number of containers
Chemical types and hazard classes
Total waste volume
Container sizes
Need for waste characterization
On-site service requirements
Disposal facility requirements
Transportation distance
Typical Pricing:
Small lab pack (20-gallon drum): $400-$800
Medium lab pack (30-gallon drum): $600-$1,200
Standard lab pack (55-gallon drum): $1,000-$2,500
Large facility cleanout: $5,000-$20,000+
Unknown chemical identification: $200-$500 per sample
Volume Discounts Available
Multiple drums: Reduced per-drum cost
Regular scheduled service: Discounted rates
Large cleanouts: Custom bulk pricing
Annual contracts: Preferred pricing
Call (800) 582-4833 for accurate pricing for your facility
Lab Pack Best Practices
Before Service:
Consolidate all chemicals in one area
Remove obviously empty containers
Organize by type if possible
Provide access to storage areas
Identify any unknowns or concerns
During Service:
Provide facility escort if required
Be available for questions
Review inventory list
Assist with container identification
Verify all materials are accounted for
After Service:
Review and retain manifests
File certificates of destruction
Update internal inventory systems
Train staff on ongoing procedures
Schedule next service if recurring
Ongoing Management:
Maintain chemical inventory
Date all chemicals when opened
Dispose of expired materials promptly
Never accumulate unknowns
Store chemicals properly
Train all laboratory personnel
Common Lab Pack Scenarios
University Chemistry Department
A university chemistry department accumulates 300 containers of expired reagents, solvents, and unknowns during summer cleanout. We provide comprehensive on-site lab pack service over 2-3 days, identifying unknowns, segregating materials, and packing into 15-20 drums. Cost: $12,000-$18,000.
Quality Control Laboratory
An industrial QC lab generates 50-75 small containers quarterly of various testing chemicals and standards. We provide quarterly scheduled lab pack service with minimal facility disruption. Cost: $2,500-$4,000 per quarter.
Hospital Laboratory
A hospital clinical lab has 100 expired reagents, controls, and chemicals accumulated over two years. We provide weekend service to avoid disrupting operations, completing inventory and packing in one day. Cost: $6,000-$9,000.
Facility Closure
A pharmaceutical research facility is closing and needs complete laboratory decommissioning including 1,000+ containers, equipment cleaning, and unknown materials. We provide phased service over 2-3 weeks coordinating with facility closure timeline. Cost: $40,000-$80,000.
Laboratory Safety Tips
Storage:
Store chemicals in approved cabinets
Keep acids and bases separated
Store flammables in flammable cabinets
Keep oxidizers isolated
Never store chemicals on floor
Maintain good ventilation
Handling:
Always read labels and SDSs
Use proper PPE
Never mix incompatible materials
Keep containers closed when not in use
Date containers when opened
Dispose of expired materials promptly
Emergency Preparedness:
Maintain spill kits
Train staff on spill response
Post emergency contacts
Know material locations
Have evacuation procedures
Keep SDSs accessible
Regulatory Compliance for Laboratories
Training Requirements:
Initial training for all lab personnel
Annual refresher training
Hazard communication training
Emergency response procedures
Waste segregation training
Document all training
Documentation:
Maintain chemical inventory
Track accumulation start dates
Keep all manifests for 3+ years
Retain certificates of destruction
Document waste characterization
Maintain training records
Inspections:
Weekly container inspections
Monthly storage area checks
Annual compliance audits
Address deficiencies immediately
Document all inspections
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does lab pack service take? A: Small labs: 2-4 hours. Medium labs: 4-8 hours. Large facilities: 1-3 days depending on quantity and complexity.
Q: Can you identify unknown chemicals? A: Yes, we can assess and classify unknowns. Laboratory analysis is available if needed for proper disposal.
Q: Do chemicals need to be in original containers? A: Original containers are preferred but not required. Chemicals must be in compatible, sealed containers with identification.
Q: Can we pack our own lab packs? A: Technically yes if properly trained, but professional service ensures proper segregation, DOT compliance, and reduces liability.
Q: What if containers are leaking? A: Don't attempt to move leaking containers. We can handle leaking containers with proper containment and spill response procedures.
Q: How should we prepare for lab pack service? A: Consolidate chemicals in accessible area, provide any available inventory lists, and ensure facility access. We handle the rest.
Q: Can you work after hours or weekends? A: Yes, we provide flexible scheduling including nights and weekends to minimize operational disruption.
Q: What happens to the chemicals after pickup? A: Materials are transported to permitted treatment, storage, and disposal facilities for incineration, treatment, recycling, or other appropriate disposal methods.
Q: Do you handle radioactive materials? A: No, radioactive materials require specialized licensing. We can provide referrals to licensed radioactive waste disposal companies.
Q: How often should laboratories schedule lab pack service? A: Depends on generation rate. Many labs schedule annual or semi-annual service. Others need quarterly service. Must comply with accumulation time limits for your generator category.
Get Started with Lab Pack Services
Call (800) 582-4833 or email info@hazardouswastedisposal.com
What to have ready:
Types of chemicals (if known)
Approximate number of containers
Facility size and type
Any unknowns or concerns
Desired service timeframe
Your location
We'll provide:
Free quote for your lab pack service
Service schedule and timeline
Container and packaging plan
All necessary documentation
Complete regulatory compliance
Serving laboratories nationwide, since 1992 - expert lab pack services for facilities of all sizes