| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 53.50 |
| Liaison | Amy Kadrie |
| Submission Date | Jan. 31, 2019 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Rochester
OP-21: Hazardous Waste Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.50 / 1.00 |
Bradley
Miller Environmental Compliance Manager Environmental Health & Safety |
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:
From the creation of the Hazardous Waste Unit in 1980, steps have been taken to reduce accumulation of excessive amounts of material even as the University expanded. Now, small amounts of chemicals are bought as opposed to buying larger quantities in an attempt to get a lower price per pound. Automation of many laboratory processes, especially at the Medical Center, has also greatly reduced the generation of hazardous waste. The Hospital eliminated mercury thermometers and sphygmomanometers as well as eliminated the use of mercury compounds in its Special Stains Laboratory in the late 1990s.
The University submits an annual formal “Hazardous Waste Reduction Plan” to the State of NY each year. This plan is subject to review and acceptance by the State and involves specific actions and targets for Hazardous Waste Reduction goals.
A brief description of how the institution safely disposes of hazardous, universal, and non-regulated chemical waste:
The University of Rochester takes great care to gather hazardous and chemical wastes from its locations and facilities and dispose of them as cleanly and effectively as possible. Much of the waste, including batteries, light bulbs, and oil, are sent off-site to specialized recycling centers. Certain chemicals left over from campus laboratories are recycled and reused. The University has policies in place for all our our hazardous and toxic materials including laboratory chemicals, industrial and cleaning wastes and hospital related wastes.
A brief description of any significant hazardous material release incidents during the previous three years, including volume, impact and response/remediation:
There have been two reportable releases of hydraulic fluid on to impervious surfaces, one in 2016 and one in 2017. In both cases, the amount was about 5 gallons and the spill was cleaned up entirely and did not have any residual impact on the environment.
A brief description of any inventory system employed by the institution to facilitate the reuse or redistribution of laboratory chemicals:
The University uses the Chematix online inventory system to track chemical inventories. Users can see what materials are in stock, real time, and hopefully this will facilitate reuse and avoid purchase of materials that are already in stock.
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:
All employees and students can arrange for used or new electronics to be recycled through the University wide Information Technology Equipment Recovery Program. A request for a pickup is made through a website or dropped off at a consolidation location. There are no charges to University users. The materials are then given to SunnKing, a company that specializes in electronics recycling.
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.