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NIH Environmental Management System

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Managed by the Office of Research Facilities, Division of Environmental Protection (DEP)

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NIH Drain Discharge Guide

​The NIH Manual Issuance 3032 requires that all wastes be reduced to the greatest extent feasible to li​mi​t any negative environmental impact. Proper management of all wastes is required, including their characterization, collection, labeling, packaging, storage, recycling, transportation, treatment and final disposal. 

Important: Disposal of chemical and pharmaceutical wastes into the sanitary sewer is regulated by federal, state and local laws. Improper disposal may result in citations or other enforcement actions. 

Help us stay compliant and environmentally responsible by avoiding sewer discharges unless explicitly approved by the Division of Environmental Protection (DEP).

​Reminder!
In order to discharge chemicals down the drain, they must meet the: 
  • pH standards, 
  • Concentration limit, and 
  • Chemical contents as listed in the drain discharge guide
​All chemical contents associated with your waste must be listed on the approved list found in Appendix Bof the Drain Discharge Guidance document​​.

If you have any questions regarding your waste or the application process, contact DEP at 301-496-7990.

Need to submit an application to dispose waste down the drain? Click on the button below!


Related Links

    • Part 2: Accessing the Drain Discharge Application
    • ​Part 3: Creating a New Application
    • Part 4: Application Process - Waste Location
    • Part 5: Application Process – Chemical Constituents
    • Part 6: Application Process – Attachments and Feedback
    • Part 7: Application Process – Submission







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