Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 70.07
Liaison Andrew Horning
Submission Date June 30, 2015
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

University of Michigan
OP-25: Hazardous Waste Management

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.00 / 1.00 Kenneth Keeler
Senior Sustainability Rep
Office of Campus Sustainability
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

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?:
Yes

A brief description of steps taken to reduce hazardous, special (e.g. coal ash), universal, and non-regulated chemical waste:

U-M participates in a number of programs designed to reduce hazardous, special, universal, and non-regulated chemical waste. One example is the chemical re-use program where departments can donate unopened chemicals for use by other departments. There are also several groups that use distillation equipment to recycle various solvents such as xylene and formaldehyde for reuse on campus. Mercury reduction efforts including exchanging mercury containing thermometers and manometers with mercury-free or electronic alternatives eliminates hazardous waste generation and reduces potential environmental impact.


A brief description of how the institution safely disposes of hazardous, universal, and non-regulated chemical waste:

The U-M OSEH Hazardous Materials Management (HMM) program is responsible for the collection and proper disposal of chemical, radioactive, and biological waste generated during teaching, research, and clinical operations at the Ann Arbor campus. The HMM Program supports the University community by providing professional services and oversight.

Technical Support / Training
HMM provides technical support and training to the University community on proper labeling, packaging, and manifesting of biological, chemical, and radioactive waste in compliance with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Department of Transportation, Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and Michigan Act 451 regulations. Strict compliance with these regulations ensures the waste is managed, transported, and disposed of properly while reducing potential liability to the University. HMM provides Emergency Response/ Incident Command Training to units within the University.


A brief description of any significant hazardous material release incidents during the previous three years, including volume, impact and response/remediation:

N/A


A brief description of any inventory system employed by the institution to facilitate the reuse or redistribution of laboratory chemicals:

The Office of Campus Sustainability facilitates a chemical redistribution program. Unopened chemicals and used laboratory equipment are listed online and made available to other labs.


Does the institution have or participate in a program to responsibly recycle, reuse, and/or refurbish all electronic waste generated by the institution?:
Yes

Does the institution have or participate in a program to responsibly recycle, reuse, and/or refurbish electronic waste generated by students?:
Yes

A brief description of the electronic waste recycling program(s):

The Hazardous Materials Management (HMM) program works with Property Disposition to ensure that consumer electronics that are not designated for resale are properly recycled. U-M co-sponsors an annual E-Waste recycle event where faculty, staff, students, and local residents are able to dispose of unwanted electronics free of charge in a safe, environmentally friendly manner.


A brief description of steps taken to ensure that e-waste is recycled responsibly, workers’ basic safety is protected, and environmental standards are met:

Principle functions of HMM include:

Provide guidance and training to generators to ensure consumer electronics are being managed in a manner that is compliant with State and Federal regulations.
Transport consumer electronics from collection areas in compliance with Department of Transportation regulations.
Arrange for the shipment of consumer electronics to a licensed recycling facility.
Maintain records of all shipments of consumer electronics.
Maintain permits and licenses necessary for consumer electronic management and transportation.
Serve as liaison for regulatory agency staff during compliance inspections.
Provide generators with a selection of waste containers and labels.
Perform compliance audits of waste vendors to ensure adherence with University contract terms and conformance with State and Federal waste regulations.


The website URL where information about the institution’s hazardous and electronic-waste recycling programs is available:
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.