Label waste containers before any chemical waste is stored in them. Federal law demands that waste containers must obtain the exact words "Hazardous Waste" printed on a clearly visible label. The label must also clearly identify the waste product contained in the bottles (and any other information that your lab manual dictates). If the container has an old label, you must completely remove or deface it to avoid confusion.
Store accumulating lab chemicals in the appropriate waste container. Use only glass or polyethylene containers to contain chemical waste. Store solid chemical waste in a heavy duty plastic bag placed inside of a cardboard box. Sharps must be in a designated sharps container provided by your lab supervisor or waste disposal manager. The containers are ready for disposal pickup when they are full. Leave at least one inch of space in the top of containers that store liquid chemical waste. Do not mix different types of chemical waste in individual storage containers. Keep containers sealed when they are not in use.
Store waste containers in a designated waste cabinet. Ideally, waste disposal cabinets are explosion resistant. Clearly label the cabinet "Hazardous Waste" and include a list of the waste chemicals stored in containers in the cabinet. Certain chemicals should not be stored in the same cabinet. See the "warnings" section at the bottom of the article for a list of incompatible chemicals. The cabinet should not be located near a drain where liquid chemicals may escape should there be an accidental spill.
Deliver chemical waste containers to the appropriate waste department of the hospital or university. Most departments will require you to fill out a form upon receipt of the chemical waste. If there is no waste disposal department for your chemical laboratory, contact your local solid waste or public health department to inquire about hazardous waste pickup.