Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs): waste disposal
Guidance on how to identify, handle, store and dispose of PCB-contaminated materials on the St. George campus.
Overview
Handling PCB-contaminated waste requires special care and is regulated by provincial and federal environmental laws. The Environmental Protection Services (EPS) team:
- Assists in identifying PCB waste
- Helps with safe handling, storage and disposal
- Coordinates disposal of all PCB-contaminated materials
Need help? Call EPS at 416-978-7000 or email eps.hazdisposal@utoronto.ca.
What is PCB waste?
A PCB is any monochlorinated or polychlorinated biphenyl or any mixture containing one or more of them.
PCB waste includes liquids, equipment and materials with a concentration greater than 50 parts per million (ppm) by weight of polychlorinated biphenyls.
Common sources of PCB waste
Laboratory and operating equipment
- Equipment manufactured before 1980
- Vacuum pumps
- Diffusion pumps
- Check for Aroclor or PCB labels (for example, Aroclor 1260)
Transformers
- May contain Askarel fluid (30–65% PCBs)
- Check the transformer’s nameplate located on outer casing for:
- Brand name (Aroclor, Chorinol, Pyrochlor, etc.)
- Type numbers starting with “L” (for example, LFAF, LNP)
Capacitors
- Found in A/C motors, electronics and lighting equipment
- Look for “KVAR” markings
- Unless confirmed to be manufactured after 1980, should be assumed to contain PCBs
Fluorescent light ballasts
- Ballasts made before 1980 likely contain PCBs
- Most ballasts manufactured after 1980 are marked with “No PCBs” signage
- EPS maintains a list of PCB-containing models
How to request testing
If you suspect material contains PCBs:
- Contact EPS to request analysis
- EPS will collect a sample and send it for lab testing
- There is no cost to university departments for this service
In case of spill or fire
If there’s a spill or fire involving PCBs:
- Follow posted emergency response procedures
- Evacuate the area if necessary
- Notify EPS immediately
How to dispose of PCB waste
Disposal must follow strict rules:
- EPS arranges all PCB waste destruction
- Limited facilities in Canada can process PCB waste
- Exporting PCB waste outside of Canada is prohibited
- Waste must be reported to the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) before shipment from the University of Toronto
Contact the manager, environmental protection services for support.
Transporting PCB waste
PCB waste may not be transported along public streets without MECP approval.
EPS handles these approvals and coordinates safe transport.
Long-term storage (over 90 days)
PCB waste cannot be stored on campus longer than 90 days.
The university’s registered PCB storage site was closed in 2004.
Contact EPS as soon as PCB waste is identified so disposal can be arranged within the required timeframe.
Get support
Always contact the Environmental Protection Services team when dealing with any suspected PCB materials. They will support with:
- Testing suspected PCB materials
- Disposal coordination
- Spill response
- Storage questions