| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 73.94 |
| Liaison | Caitlin Steele |
| Submission Date | July 21, 2023 |
San Francisco State University
OP-20: Hazardous Waste Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
caitlin
Steele Dr of Sust & Energy Sustainability |
Does the institution have strategies in place to safely dispose of all hazardous, special (e.g. coal ash), universal, and non-regulated chemical waste and seek to minimize the presence of these materials on campus?:
A brief description of steps taken to reduce hazardous, special (e.g. coal ash), universal, and non-regulated chemical waste:
1) SFSU utilizes various methods to reduce waste. One method is through education and training, i.e. Hazardous Waste Management Training -this is an annual online training via CSU learn for employees with specific job hazards and topics include proper determination of waste, management of waste, labelling, storage, treating and disposal. It also includes discussion on the different types of waste: universal, chemical, biohazardous, mixed waste and non- regulated waste. 2) Aside from the training, SFSU has put in place the “Restricted Chemical and Equipment Purchasing” system. This system will enable EHS to place controls on the volumes and types of chemicals ordered. 3) Bulk hazardous chemical profiles for similar waste streams have been set up to reduce lab packs and the empty containers are reused in the labs. 4) All universal waste (i.e. fluorescent lamps, batteries, including e-waste) is collected on campus for recycling and is also a non- regulated waste.
A brief description of how the institution safely disposes of hazardous, universal, and non-regulated chemical waste:
All hazardous waste and universal waste is collected, picked up by assigned personnel (Stockroom, Student EHS and or EHS representative) and brought to a centralized location for storage and accumulation. SFSU has a contract with California licensed and registered hazardous waste transportation and disposal company. The contractor routinely picks up all hazardous waste and universal waste and transports it to a designated processing facility, where it is recycled, consolidated and treated.
A brief description of any significant hazardous material release incidents during the previous three years, including volume, impact and response/remediation:
There has been no hazardous material releases incident at SFSU for the past 3 years.
A brief description of any inventory system employed by the institution to facilitate the reuse or redistribution of laboratory chemicals:
SFSU currently uses the CSU Systemwide tool Risk and Safety Solutions (RSS) where chemical database or inventory is managed. The tool of software uses the barcode method to track chemical movement and lifespan. When labs are decommissioned, left-over chemicals are redistributed to minimize disposal and purchasing. Faculty and staff are expected to only purchase chemicals within the required quantity or threshold.
Does the institution have or participate in a program to responsibly recycle, reuse, and/or refurbish electronic waste generated by the institution?:
Does the institution have or participate in a program to responsibly recycle, reuse, and/or refurbish electronic waste generated by students?:
A brief description of the electronic waste recycling program(s), including information about how electronic waste generated by the institution and/or students is recycled:
In California, Electronic waste (e-waste) are regulated as Universal Waste. Computers, and other electronic devices that can not be refurbished or reused are managed as e-waste. In order to ensure the proper disposal and safe collection of the electronic waste at SFSU, each department gathers the e-waste, contacts EHS and brings it to a common, central and secured collection areas. The campus holds “Spring Clean Up” events which are aimed at clearing old computer and electronic equipment. The waste hauler is a licensed and registered transporter. Currently, a weekly pick has been set up for electronic waste.
Is the institution’s electronic waste recycler certified under the e-Stewards and/or Responsible Recycling (R2) standards?:
Website URL where information about the institution’s hazardous waste program is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.