Duke University
OP-21: Hazardous Waste Management

Occupational and Environmental Safety Office, Environmental Programs supports Duke University’s policy to minimize the environmental impact of its activities through the development, implementation, and tracking of hazardous chemical and radiological waste. Minimizing the amount hazardous waste generated is the primary goal of OESO, Environmental Programs, and this is a shared responsibility between the individual generators and OESO, Environmental Programs. Current opportunities to minimize hazardous, universal, and non-regulated chemical waste generated at Duke University include: PRE-PURCHASE CONSIDERATIONS Persons ordering chemicals should purchase only the amount of chemicals which are needed in order to avoid the disposal costs of excess chemicals, which often outweigh the savings of ordering larger quantities. INVENTORY CONTROL The chemical inventory control system prevents additional purchases of chemicals that already exist onsite, reducing costs and saving time. OESO, Environmental Programs collects unused or expired chemicals across the institution for disposal or reuse. VOLUME REDUCTION Chemical users utilize "micro" volume methods whenever possible, reducing the aqueous components in samples and reducing the total amount of waste generated for disposal. Another practice which reduces the total volume of hazardous waste is to carefully segregate hazardous and nonhazardous wastes. PROCESS CHANGE OESO, Environmental Programs encourages the institution to switch from hazardous to non-hazardous chemicals and change concentrations of highly hazardous chemicals. One example of this is the replacement of mercury-containing equipment such as thermometers with electronic equipment.

OESO, Environmental Program Division makes hazardous waste decisions in accordance with RCRA guidelines, prepares wastes for shipment and disposal, and provides assistance to generators as necessary. OESO, Environmental Programs has a rechargeable battery and cell phone recycling program: batteries less than 2 pounds can be placed in the designated recycling containers throughout campus. OESO, Environmental Programs also provides support to the Health System to manage the generation and handling of hazardous drug waste, evaluate environmental risks, and ensure compliance with applicable environmental regulations. Radioactive waste is accumulated in laboratories in waste containers and picked up by OESO, Environmental Programs.