/ IN THIS BLOG
All it took was one inspection by federal and state regulators for a cascade of negative consequences to hit Florida Institute of Technology. Across multiple labs, from its pharmaceutical chemistry and physics rooms to its organic chemistry department, inspectors discovered a variety of violations, including old chemicals with peeling labels along with leaking and deformed containers of toxic chemicals.
The most dramatic incidents show frothing toxic chemicals leaking out from their containers and these images now live permanently online for all to see. But damage to the school’s reputation isn’t the only result of this review. The college was also fined $64,000 for these oversights.
The inspectors in the Florida Institute of Technology cite a failure by the school to conduct weekly inspections and also improper storage and handling practices which included missing permits or statuses. It wasn’t the first infraction by this college, in fact, the school has struggled to maintain compliance for close to two decades.
The Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) incident serves as a wake-up call to all leaders in colleges and universities. If a school like FIT, which has positioned itself as a leader in advanced science education, can experience such significant infractions and oversights, any school is vulnerable to these incidents. It also illustrates the need for diligence, weekly inspections, and the skill-set in order to apply proactive strategies that prevent such systemic failures.
01 / Lab Packs: A Critical Part of College Hazardous Waste Management
Colleges and universities generate a wide variety of hazardous materials in their labs, from outdated chemicals in research facilities to expired reagents in instructional classrooms. Proper lab pack disposal ensures these substances are safely collected, packaged, and removed in compliance with regulations.
However, this process isn’t as simple as boxing up old chemicals and calling a disposal company. To remain safe and compliant requires careful classification, documentation, and adherence to strict handling procedures. Any gap in this process, whether from mislabeling, improper storage, or relying on an unqualified disposal service, can lead to serious consequences.
For colleges, this isn’t just about avoiding regulatory fines. Improper hazardous waste management poses real safety risks, including toxic spills and chemical reactions to fires and harmful exposures. A single oversight in a lab pack process can jeopardize student safety, damage institutional reputation, and cost tens of thousands or more in fines.
So how do these gaps happen? Many universities assume that hiring a disposal company absolves them of responsibility. But as the FIT case demonstrates, even institutions that contract waste management services can face severe penalties if hazardous materials are not properly stored, packaged, or disposed of.
Proper lab pack disposal is not merely a regulatory obligation; it is essential for ensuring the safety of students, faculty, and staff within college and university laboratories. Neglecting appropriate hazardous waste management can lead to severe accidents, health risks, and environmental damage.
02 / The Hidden Dangers of Lab Pack Mistakes
Improving College Safety Compliance: Protect Students and Staff from Lab Pack Safety Mistakes
Academic laboratories often house a diverse assortment of hazardous materials, each presenting unique risks:
Reactive Waste: These substances can undergo violent chemical reactions, potentially leading to explosions. For example, certain peroxides are sensitive to heat, friction, impact, and light, making them among the most hazardous chemicals encountered in laboratories.
Flammable Waste: Materials which can easily ignite pose fire hazards. Common examples include solvents like acetonitrile, which is not only flammable but also metabolizes into cyanide upon exposure.
Corrosive Waste: Chemicals that can cause severe tissue damage upon contact. include strong acids and bases, such as nitric acid and sodium hydroxide, which are prevalent in many laboratory settings.
In the context of colleges and universities, the stakes are even higher. Advanced research activities often involve larger quantities of dangerous chemicals, amplifying the potential impact of accidents. In addition, the diverse user base that higher education institutions host make protocols for handling, storing and disposing of lab materials even more essential. With numerous students, researchers, and staff accessing laboratories, the likelihood of mishandling or accidental exposure increases.
Finally, since college laboratories deal with complex waste streams, it will necessitate the need for a comprehensive management strategy that prevents incompatible substances from interacting. Implementing rigorous lab pack disposal procedures is vital to mitigate these risks, ensuring a safe educational and research environment.
03 / The Cost of Noncompliance: Fines, Penalties & Reputation Damage
Regulatory violations in hazardous waste management don’t just lead to fines. These consequences can create long-term financial and reputational consequences that colleges and universities can’t afford to ignore. The FIT case serves as a cautionary tale, demonstrating how improper waste storage can result in steep penalties and increased scrutiny from environmental agencies.
Beyond the immediate financial impact of fines, noncompliance can trigger additional costs: legal fees, required remediation efforts, and the expense of overhauling waste management procedures under tight deadlines. These unexpected expenses divert funding away from essential university programs, research initiatives, and student services.
Worse yet, the damage to institutional reputation can be lasting. Safety violations make headlines, affecting prospective students’ and faculty members’ perception of the school. No college wants to be known for hazardous chemical mismanagement, particularly when student and staff safety is at stake.
Financial Fallout: The Price of Cutting Corners in Hazardous Waste Management in Colleges
Many universities operate on lean budgets, making it tempting to cut costs in waste management. But as cases like FIT illustrate, failing to invest in proper hazardous waste disposal upfront can lead to far more expensive consequences down the line.
But just hiring a disposal company isn’t enough. Colleges that partner with unqualified or unlicensed providers still bear responsibility if violations occur. An inexperienced or noncompliant waste management company can mishandle materials, fail to follow proper documentation protocols, or store hazardous substances incorrectly, all of which can leave universities legally and financially vulnerable.
Hazardous waste disposal in colleges isn’t just a line item on a budget – it’s an investment in safety, compliance, and long-term institutional integrity. That’s why it’s critical to look for a partner in your college’ s hazardous waste management, who can guide you through the steps you need to take, creating a plan for routine maintenance and action. It can be done! Pell City High School serves as a good example of how a school was able to transform their lab pack procedure with a practical and comprehensive approach to hazardous waste and lab chemicals.
04 / The Right Way to Handle Lab Pack Disposal
Proper lab pack disposal requires a multi-step process to ensure full compliance. Following best practices can prevent dangerous chemical reactions, reduce risks to your community, and keep your college safe from fines, lawsuits, and other damages. Always partner with a reputable and trustworthy hazardous disposal company. This company should have the skill and experience to make customized recommendations based on your school’s needs as well as provide on-site assessments and recommendations.
Some of the steps you can expect to take in a comprehensive lab pack disposal plan include:
Identifying and Classifying Your Waste
Accurate labeling ensures hazardous materials are properly categorized.
Prevents accidental mixing of incompatible chemicals that could cause fires, explosions, or toxic fumes.
Storing and Containing Materials Correctly
Use only approved containers—never store corrosive chemicals in metal drums.
Follow segregation guidelines to keep reactive substances separate.
Maintain proper ventilation and temperature control in storage areas.
Maintain weekly maintenance checks and routine schedules for disposal of hazardous waste.
Partner with a Reputable Hazardous Waste Management Service
Work with a licensed, insured, and experienced disposal provider.
Ensure the company follows EPA, state, and local regulations.
Look for a provider with a track record of compliance and transparency to avoid liability.
05 / Create a Safer and Smarter Hazardous Waste Management Plan
Preventing incidents like that of the FIT inspection failure requires a proactive approach that reduces risks and ensures long-term compliance. This strategy should include implementing routine inspections and staff training as well as maintaining proper permitting and documentation of all waste procedures. Staying audit-ready also means developing a long-term strategy that prioritizes safety, sustainability, and regulatory compliance.
Lab pack disposal isn’t just another administrative task, it’s a critical responsibility that protects students, staff, and the university as a whole. Colleges that take a proactive approach to hazardous waste management avoid costly fines, reduce safety risks, and strengthen their institution’s reputation. Don’t wait for a compliance issue to become a crisis. Contact MCF Environmental Services for expert guidance on safe, compliant lab pack disposal solutions.
Robert Losurdo
President, COO
