Leaking underground storage tanks (USTs) containing hazardous substances pose a threat to human health and the environment.
Leaking underground storage tanks (USTs) containing petroleum or other hazardous substances pose a threat to human health and the environment, as they can contaminate soil or groundwater, potentially contaminating drinking water aquifers.
EH&S oversees compliance activities for contaminated sites on UW properties.
Some UW properties have soil and/or groundwater contamination from past or present activities. These activities include industrial operations, dry cleaning, leaking heating oil tanks, hydraulic lifts, underground storage tanks, fuel storage or dispensing areas, improper hazardous materials storage and use, and the use of lead-based paint.
Updated April 12, 2024
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) is responsible for the collection of hazardous chemical waste for the University, including all campuses and off-site locations.
There is no charge for hazardous chemical waste collection, except for unknown chemicals and unstable peroxide forming chemicals.
University supervisors submit a Respirator Request Form to EH&S, when respiratory hazards are first identified, when processes change that may impact respiratory hazards, and annually thereafter.
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) provides health and safety training courses that meet regulatory and policy requirements and support a culture of safety for the University of Washington. We offer online, classroom, and blended courses, and provide guides to help personnel find classes appropriate for their work.
EH&S collaborated with the Materials Science & Engineering Department to develop a short video about the UW’s chemical waste management process.
Watch the video to get your common waste management questions answered and learn more about properly labeling, storing, and managing hazardous chemical waste.
