University of Pittsburgh
OP-21: Hazardous Waste Management

1) Pitt's primary strategy is to order only the volume of chemicals that are needed. The cost of disposal of chemicals often exceeds the price of purchasing the chemical. 2) Containers are dated when received and older chemicals are to be used first. 3) Use spirit-filled thermometers instead of mercury thermometers when possible. 4) Use less hazardous or non-hazardous chemicals for experiments when possible. 5) Prepare only the amount of solutions/mixtures needed for experiments. 6) Reduce the number of unknowns by labeling all bottles/containers in lab. 7) Scale down experiments that produce hazardous waste. These guidelines are intended to ensure that chemical users on campus are aware of the importance of source reduction and waste minimization. Benefits of source reduction/waste minimization include increased safety of personnel, reduced risk of environmental contamination, and a decrease in chemical and waste disposal expenditures. Pitt's Environmental Health & Safety Department has prepared and implemented a source reduction strategy which describes ways to reduce or eliminate the amount or toxicity of waste. The following minimization activities are utilized to help reduce the amount and/or toxicity of wastes:  Product Substitution – Use less hazardous or non-hazardous materials. Examples include substitution of enzymatic cleaners and detergents for chromic acid cleaning solutions, replacement of flammable and or toxic solvents with water based materials, replacing mercury thermometers with spirit filled or electronic thermometers, using latex paints in place of oil-based paints.  Microscale Chemistry – Scale down techniques where possible to reduce waste.  One More Step – When possible, all reactions should be taken one more step, if the additional step will result in a less hazardous material without an increased safety risk. (refer to Destruction of Hazardous Chemicals in the Laboratory by George Lunn & Eric Sansone, 2nd Edition, 1994 (Wiley)).  Waste Segregation – Ensure appropriate segregation. Keep non-hazardous wastes out of the hazardous waste streams.  Education – All chemical users should attend Chemical Hygiene training. EH&S offers additional waste minimization guidance through this program.  Inventory – Maintain an accurate inventory of chemicals. Ensure that all containers are accurately labeled to ensure that “unknowns” are not generated.  Chemical Redistribution – Utilize the EH&S Chemical Redistribution Program to donate or request unused surplus chemicals.  Purchasing Practices – Only purchase in useable amounts.  Other Techniques – Elementary chemical neutralization, improved inventory control practices, and good management and training are all techniques which can be utilized to minimize waste.

All hazardous waste, universal wastes, and non-regulated chemical wastes are disposed of via third party vendors who are licensed to transport, treat, recycle, and/or dispose of the wastes. EH&S is charged with program management regarding regulated waste disposal.

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The University of Pittsburgh Chemical Redistribution Program provides faculty and staff with the opportunity to obtain chemicals free of charge. This program is currently available to University laboratories located on the Oakland campus. The Chemical Redistribution Program can reduce expenses for both purchasing and waste disposal. The program emphasizes the University’s commitment to environmental protection by reducing the overall volumes of chemical waste generated. Faculty and staff possessing uncontaminated chemicals that are not expired may donate these chemicals to the program. Donated chemicals can be claimed by University faculty/staff members on an as-needed basis. EH&S will maintain an inventory of available chemicals at www.ehs.pitt.edu.

Institution-generated electronic waste is collected by the University's Surplus Property Department. Surplus Property assesses the value of the waste, and takes appropriate steps for proper handling. The waste is either refurbished for sale, donated to non-profit groups, or sent to a certified third party electronics recycling provider (ELoop). EH&S manages the University’s “e-Waste” program. Unwanted University owned electronic assets are recycled through the e-waste program. The University’s contractor has achieved the highest industry standard for compliance by being certified to the BAN e-Steward (ISO14001) standard. Additionally, University students are provided with an opportunity to recycle personal electronic assets through the EH&S e-Waste program during RecycleMania. Drop off locations are strategically staged throughout campus.

EH&S E-waste recycling records 2014 - 23 tons, 2015 - 22 tons, 2016 - 34 tons.