Unknown Chemicals Management Fact Sheet
Key Takeaways
- Unlabeled or unidentified chemicals must be treated as hazardous and handled according to proper safety procedures.
- Clear labeling, regular inspections, and up-to-date inventories are key to preventing unknown chemicals in the lab.
- Labs are responsible for coordinating disposal with ECOS and covering all costs for third-party testing and removal—starting at $300 per container.
What is an Unknown Chemical?
An unknown chemical refers to any substance stored in an unlabeled container with an undetermined identity. These substances are often left behind by previous lab personnel, abandoned projects, or may be discovered in rarely used areas of the laboratory.
To ensure safe handling and regulatory compliance, a third-party hazardous waste vendor must be brought onsite to perform analysis, identify potential hazardous characteristics, and determine appropriate disposal methods.
What best practices help keep unknown chemicals out of the lab?
1. Labeling and Identification
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Clearly label all containers, including temporary ones like beakers and test tubes to avoid confusion or accidental misuses.
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Use full chemical names—do not use abbreviations, chemical structures or formulas.
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For small vials or tubes, label the outer rack or box with a list of contents.
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Inspect and replace labels that are faded, damaged, or unclear.
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Label reaction mixtures with their chemical composition.
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2. Inventory and Housekeeping
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Maintain an up-to-date chemical inventory for all materials in the lab.
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Request waste pickups regularly to prevent buildup and maintain a safe workspace.
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3. Transitions and Accountability
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During staff or student turnover, ensure proper transfer or disposal of research materials.
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Hold all lab members accountable for maintaining clear labeling and container management.
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If you discover an unknown chemical in your lab, what steps should you take?
- Consult with all current lab members, PIs, and researchers to attempt identification based on research activities or past use. Consult with past lab members, if needed.
- If the substance is identified, label the container clearly with the appropriate chemical name(s) and submit a normal hazardous waste pickup request.
- If identification is not possible:
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- You must contact ECOS at ecos@northeastern.edu to discuss the cost of the third-party analysis and disposal.
- After consulting with ECOS, submit a waste pickup request, following the labeling practices below
- Clearly label the container with:
“UNKNOWN MATERIAL – PENDING ANALYSIS” and select all hazardous characteristics. - In the waste pickup request form, include any relevant research context or project details that may assist with narrowing down potential identities.
- Clearly label the container with:
- Once the unknown material has been picked up through the waste pickup process, it will not be returned to the originating lab.
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Cost Responsibility
Please be aware that the laboratory is fully responsible for all costs associated with the identification and disposal of unknown chemicals.
- Invoices will be issued by the third-party vendor upon discovery of the unknown material.
- Typical testing and disposal costs start at $300 per container. Additional costs may be included due to volume, quantity, and container conditions.
- Higher charges may apply for extremely hazardous substances or materials stored in damaged or unsafe containers.
Contact Lab Safety
Email: labsafety@northeastern.edu
Phone: 617.373.2769