University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
OP-25: Hazardous Waste Management

As a generator of hazardous chemical waste, UNC Chapel Hill has an obligation under federal and state regulations, and to the community, to reduce the volume and quantity of hazardous, universal, and non-regulated wastes generated on campus. This is accomplished, in part, through the Waste Minimization Program which is actively managed by the EHS Environmental Affairs group. In 2012, the University recycled 12,565 kg of spent fluorescent light tubes and 13,881 kg of lead and other metals. Hazardous waste outreach efforts include a poster for lab entrances, showing proper labeling and containment practices. On a weekly basis, hazardous waste management specialists visit large generating areas to identify and resolve potential compliance problems, enhance awareness, and reinforce proper procedures.

The EHS Environmental Affairs group manages the Hazardous Materials Facility (HMF) which is the central accumulation area of all hazardous waste from the campus points of generation which include teaching and research laboratories, maintenance and facilities service activities, a cogeneration facility, the Horace Williams airport, and the Finley golf course. Waste is managed by trained personnel from the EHS Environmental Affairs group under a federal Part B hazardous waste management permit (permit number NCD 982093783). EHS offers training classes, on-line waste management and pick-up tutorials, as well as publicly available resources to assist personnel within generating areas to properly manage their wastes. Hazardous materials are typically managed through an on-line registration and management system designed to streamline documentation requirements and more efficiently track waste streams from point of generation to recycling/disposal. Wherever possible, and consistent with its waste minimization goals, UNC Chapel Hill endeavors to recycle waste streams including batteries, circuit boards, light ballasts, computer equipment, film, film fixer, lead solder, silver solder, mercury, and dental amalgam.

There were no significant hazardous material release incidents during the previous three years.

All UNC computer equipment that is no longer wanted (including non-working equipment) should be taken to UNC Surplus Property. Computer equipment is then sent to State Surplus property. Working computer equipment is sold through State Surplus Property, and non-working equipment is repaired for use in North Carolina schools. Computer equipment that can not be repaired is recycled. Surplus Property removes all data from the equipment before equipment is sold or recycled. UNC’s Surplus Property Office sends broken and unsold electronics to Powerhouse Recycling. Powerhouse Recycling uses recycling equipment that shreds and separates electronics into their original material of plastics, steel, aluminum, precious metals, and recycles and recovers commodities into reusable products.. As a precaution, Powerhouse Recycling. assures compliance with privacy laws by making sure that any data is written over.

The Environment, Health and Safety Workplace Safety Section is responsible for ensuring that all University employees (including full-time, part-time, and temporary) receive the required training under State and Federal regulations. These requirements cannot be fully met without the help of Employees, Supervisors, Principal Investigators and Department Heads. Powerhouse Recycling processes are in compliance with local, state, and federal laws. They maintain a strict zero landfill policy.They are a R2/ ISO-14001:2004 company. Powerhouse Recycling is wholly committed to protecting our environment; which is reflected in all aspects of our business practices