| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 57.22 |
| Liaison | Rebecca Walker |
| Submission Date | June 30, 2017 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Southern Oregon University
OP-21: Hazardous Waste Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.50 / 1.00 |
Roxane
Beigel-Coryell Sustainability & Recycling Coordinator Facilities Management & Planning |
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:
The Department of Environmental Health and Safety supports Southern Oregon University’s mission by providing leadership, resources, and services to ensure a safe and healthful campus environment. The Department develops, establishes and administers policies and procedures for environmental compliance, health and safety to ensure the University’s compliance with relevant federal, state and local laws, regulatory guidelines, and industry standards.
As stewards of the University’s human, physical and environmental resources, our goal is to provide consultation, programs, and services that: prevent accidents and minimize risks; minimize human exposure to hazardous agents and conditions; protect the environment through responsible waste management and active waste reduction; prevent the spread of disease from unsanitary conditions; and conserve resources.
In partnership with University faculty and staff, we continue to develop and implement cooperative services and programs that ensure adequate employee training, monitor potentially hazardous conditions, provide health and safety resources and timely assistance, manage hazardous and radioactive wastes, and facilitate regulatory compliance.
A brief description of how the institution safely disposes of hazardous, universal, and non-regulated chemical waste:
All universal waste is collected by the Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) and Facilities Management & Planning Departments. There is a central collection station for all lamps and ballasts. The recycling program manages several battery collection stations across campus. All batteries are sorted at the recycling center, then recycled or otherwise disposed of, depending on battery type. All universal waste is disposed of through vendors approved by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.
SOU is classified as a Conditionally Exempt Generator of hazardous waste. All hazardous waste is disposed of by the EHS office through Oregon University System-approved vendors.
The procedures for collection of hazardous waste materials are described at: http://www.sou.edu/ehs/waste.html
A brief description of any significant hazardous material release incidents during the previous three years, including volume, impact and response/remediation:
There have been no significant hazardous material release incidents during the previous three years.
A brief description of any inventory system employed by the institution to facilitate the reuse or redistribution of laboratory chemicals:
We do not have an inventory system for reuse or redistribution of laboratory chemicals currently in place.
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:
Users having surplus equipment call the Help Desk to request a pick up of equipment. The requesting department is given an "Equipment Transferred to IT Department" receipt and the equipment is reviewed for functionality and age. The form is then completed with the disposition of the property as to it being e-wasted. E-wasted equipment is transferred to a gaylord and when it is full the recyclers pick it up for disposal. Non-IT electronics are boxed and handled by the Environmental Health and Safety office and the Recycling Program. These programs work together to coordinate proper recycling of electronic waste with a reputable recycler.
Electronic waste generated by students is handled by the campus Recycling Program. The Recycling Program works with Goodwill to ensure that all e-waste generated by students is reused or recycled. Items that are still in working condition and considered useful for students are kept on campus and made available on a Free Stuff Shelf for anyone to take for reuse.
Is the institution’s electronic waste recycler certified under the e-Stewards and/or Responsible Recycling (R2) standards?:
Electronic waste recycled or otherwise diverted from the landfill or incinerator during the most recent year for which data is available during the previous three years:
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives 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.