If your facility generates dangerous waste, you must follow label requirements properly. Labeling is one of the most common compliance violations and the easiest to avoid. Good labeling will keep your employees safer and help ensure your waste is disposed of properly.
The container size determines how large you need to make your labels.
Text-only labels
You may label your containers entirely with text-only labels. If you do, the lettering may have a size or visibility requirement depending on the container size.
Pictograms
Hazard labels are often pictograms (pictures) that may or may not include text. If you choose to display a hazard label that uses a pictogram, make sure it is clearly recognizable.
Label requirements by container size
Use the guidance below to clearly label your containers and follow size requirements.
Small containers are less than or equal to 1 gallon or 4 liters.
Label small containers with:
"Hazardous waste" or "Dangerous waste" sized appropriately for the container.
Hazard labels (with pictograms) or (text-only) sized appropriately for the container.
Accumulation start date has no size requirement.
Large containers are greater than 1 gallon or 4 liters.
Label large containers with:
"Hazardous waste" or "Dangerous waste" legible from 25 feet or lettering at least 0.5 inches high.
Hazard labels (with pictograms) recognizable from 25 feet, or (text-only) legible from 25 feet or lettering at least 0.5 inches high.
Containers with universal waste (batteries, fluorescent bulbs and tubes, and mercury-containing equipment) must be labeled with the words "universal waste" and the specific type of waste.
Satellite accumulation area
Any containers in a satellite accumulation area must be labeled with the words "dangerous waste" or "hazardous waste" and the hazard(s); and they must meet the size and legibility requirements. Once a container has 55 gallons of dangerous waste (or 2.2 pounds of certain types of waste), you must label it with the accumulation start date.
Frequently asked questions
We offer free labels you can print and attach to your waste containers, but you aren't required to use these or any specific label designs or hazard symbols under the dangerous waste regulations. Any label will work, as long as it meets the size and legibility requirements.
Covering the labels with clear plastic will make them last longer.
The dangerous waste regulations don't specify the color of dangerous waste labels. However, bold or high contrast fonts may help improve legibility.
No. If you reuse a container for dangerous waste, make sure to remove or destroy the previous label so it's clear what's currently in the container.
