| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 53.23 |
| Liaison | Michael Iversen |
| Submission Date | Dec. 14, 2017 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
St. Lawrence University
OP-21: Hazardous Waste Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Part 1
Yes
A brief description of steps taken to reduce hazardous, special (e.g. coal ash), universal, and non-regulated chemical waste:
Some examples of ways we reduce the amount of hazardous waste generated include ordering only the amount of laboratory reagents needed for specific research projects, replacing reagents that would become hazardous waste when used up with non-regulated and less toxic alternatives, using citrus oil-based preservatives to preserve biological specimens in lieu of formalin preservative, and purchasing latex paints instead of oil-based paints. In the Organic Chemistry lab, St. Lawrence switched to microscale glassware in the early 1980’s to reduce waste generated. The Chemistry and Biology classes with labs substitute reagents with less toxic alternatives at every opportunity. In the General Chemistry lab, Kool-aid has replaced toxic nickel and chromium salts previously used for instruction in determining concentrations.
A brief description of how the institution safely disposes of hazardous, universal, and non-regulated chemical waste:
Hazardous waste, universal waste and non-regulated wastes are collected and stored so that incompatible wastes are separated. All storage areas are clean, dry and secure. Properly labeled wastes are stored in secondary containers. Only vendors with excellent reputations and adequate insurance are contracted to recycle or dispose of these waste streams. The vendors must provide proof that the facilities the wastes will be sent to are approved to accept the wastes. Wastes are transported, treated, disposed and recycled in a manner that complies with all state, federal and local regulations.
A brief description of any significant hazardous material release incidents during the previous three years, including volume, impact and response/remediation:
None
A brief description of any inventory system employed by the institution to facilitate the reuse or redistribution of laboratory chemicals:
Reuse of lab chemicals is facilitated by storage of reagents in a central stockroom and maintenance of a comprehensive chemical inventory. Reagents stored in the stockroom are available for any research or teaching lab to use. Unused reagents are returned for reuse or proper disposal. An electronic inventory is available so the entire campus can be searched for availability of laboratory reagents. Orders for new chemicals are placed only after existing inventory has been checked.
Part 2
Yes
Does the institution have or participate in a program to responsibly recycle, reuse, and/or refurbish electronic waste generated by students?:
Yes
If yes to either of the above, provide:
The Information Technology department is the largest contributor of institution-generated e-waste. They have an e-waste collection point in their building that is moved to facilities and sorted as needed. All other e-waste is picked up on an as needed basis.
Is the institution’s electronic waste recycler certified under the e-Stewards and/or Responsible Recycling (R2) standards?:
Yes
Optional Fields
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The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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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.