Mizzou's Hazardous Waste Labels Are Getting a Makeover

The University of Missouri's Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) is rolling out new neon green Hazardous Waste Labels (HWL) starting February 28 to comply with updated EPA Hazardous Waste Generator Improvement Rules (HWGIR). The update aims to enhance safety, improve waste tracking, and ensure compliance across campus labs and facilities.

What's Changing?

• New Label Format: "Hazardous Material" is now "Hazardous Waste" to meet regulatory requirements, and labels are switching from yellow to neon green for easy identification.
• Clearer Hazard Communication: Labels must now specify primary hazards like flammability, toxicity, or corrosivity.

What You Need to Do

• Use the New Labels: All hazardous waste containers must utilize the updated labels.  EHS Staff will distribute new labels during lab visits, or you can request them via the EHSA Supply Request Form.
• Keep Your Dates Straight: When replacing an old yellow label, retain the original accumulation start date - do not restart the start date.
• Follow HWL Instructions: Different labels exist for radioactive materials (HWL-R), temporary containers (HWL-T), and additional components (HWL-C) - make sure you are using the right label on your material.

For detailed labeling instructions, visit Mizzou's chemical labeling page.  Because when it comes to compliance, being in the green is a good thing.