November 20, 2009

Environmental Health & Safety

Universal Waste

Universal wastes are hazardous wastes that are generated by a wide variety of people and institutions in small quantities. However, when the amounts from all of these sources is combined, the amounts become quite significant. The state of California has become concerned with the cumulative effect on the environment from these wastes disposed of in sanitary landfills. In the last couple of years it was decides that all of these wastes must be treated as hazardous. However, since many small businesses who normally would not need a hazardous waste disposal license were to be affected, it was decided that less stringent requirements could be used yet still achieve the goal of protecting the environmental health.

To this end, TSRI now collects universal waste for disposal. A printable posting detailing the different waste streams and how to "call them in" for disposal can be found here. These wastes include, but are not necessarily limited to the following items:

Batteries

Batteries are devices consisting of one or more electrically connected electrochemical cell designed to receive, store and deliver electric energy. Universal waste batteries include nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd), nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH), sealed lead acid, lithium ion (Li-ion), alkaline, and button cell batteries. All used batteries are collected and managed as universal waste.

Collection containers have been placed throughout campus and are checked regularly by EH&S. When they are full they will be transferred to one of the waste storage locations for disposal. There is no need to "call-in" this waste. To locate the nearest collection container view the campus map provided here.

Lamps

Lamps are the bulb or tube portion of an electric lighting device. A lamp is specifically designed to produce radiant energy. Some examples of common universal waste electric lamps include fluorescent, high intensity discharge, neon, mercury vapor, high-pressure sodium, and metal-halide lamps. Currently all spent lamps (excluding incandescent light bulbs) are collected and managed as Universal Waste.

CRT’s / Monitors

Cathode Ray Tubes (computer monitors and televisions) contain lead, which is a toxic metal. If a CRT breaks or is placed in a landfill, the lead can contaminate the air, surface water, and ground water. Therefore, old CRT’s must either be recycled or disposed of as a specially regulated class of wastes called “Universal Wastes.” LCD and Plasma screens are also collected as Universal Wastes and recycled whenever practical.

E-Waste (waste from electronics)

E-waste is a the name given to electronic products nearing the end of their "useful life." Computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers, and fax machines are some of the more common electronic products. Electronic waste is one of the fastest growing segments of our nation's waste stream and they contain heavy metals which are banned from most landfills. However, these items can be recycled when properly managed. This Earth-Day, April 22, 2008, TSRI will be hosting a free e-waste disposal day. For details click here!

©2009