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Waste Designation Decision Matrix - Unused Chemicals

This is the waste designation decision matrix provided by the Small Business and Local Government Assistance Program to aid businesses in deciding how certain wastes must be handled.

This matrix is provided as an assistance tool. It cannot be used as a substitute for following applicable city, state, and federal laws.

Is the discarded or expired chemical product unused?YES NO

Unused Chemicals

This is a very important distinction. If your product was used even for a purpose other than its intended purpose, the answer is “no.” However, if it was not used at all, the answer is “yes.” Examples:

  1. Your product (a solvent) was used to degrease some engine parts. You now need to dispose of the used solvent. This solvent waste is used, so the answer is “no.”
  2. Your product, an unused acid solution located in your product storage area needs to be disposed of because it is out of date. This waste is unused so the answer is “yes.”
  3. If the product is still useful, you may consider the TCEQ RENEW program.