Wellesley College
OP-25: Hazardous Waste Management

It is Wellesley’s goal to (a) reduce these wastes; (b) reuse or recycle them, when possible, and (c) manage them safely, and in accordance with state and federal regulations. These types of wastes are managed by the EHS Office and the Science Center Safety Officer. A hazardous waste contractor provides turnkey services for Wellesley College to safely and appropriately manage it’s hazardous waste. EHS manages the contract for the majority of campus operations. Motor Pool manages waste oil at the garage. Science Center staff manage waste generated in the science center to include hazardous chemical waste, radioactive waste, sharps, biological waste, etc. Health Services manages biological waste generated at the infirmary. Universal waste is handled by a specialized licensed disposal contractor. Similar steps are taken with non-regulated chemical waste. In general for hazardous, universal, and non-regulated chemical waste, outside contractors are responsible for the removal of any waste they create. It is recommended that clear guidelines be established on project scope documents.

Segregate hazardous chemical waste according to compatibility. Choose appropriate impervious containers for storage. Flammable wastes should only be stored in 1 gallon containers except for 2.5 gallons stored in fireproof rated cans. All containers must be properly labeled with dated waste labels. Complete chemical names must be used. Hazard info should be noted. For hazardous waste, date the container when full or when ready for disposal. Only one container at a time may be used to collect one waste stream (one type of waste). The container will have a maximum capacity of 55 gallons. Waste containers must be kept tightly closed at all times except when pouring in waste. Funnels may only be inserted when pouring in waste. Universal Waste must be kept in containers or packages. Containers must be kept closed and lack evidence of leakage, spillage, or damage. It is recommended that box dividers are used to avoid breakage. Designated storage areas have been set up to manage universal wastes on campus. Waste lamps must be put in appropriate storage at the end of each work shift and placed in designated universal waste accumulation area(s). The waste itself or the package must be labeled:“Universal Waste - _____________” (type of waste). Chemical waste containers should be physically separated according to this compatibility chart. • Acids - Inorganic • Acids - Organic • Bases - Alkaline • Bases - Flammable • Flammable Liquids • High Hazard Peroxide Formers • Mercury or any solutions containing • Metals or Solutions Containing • Oil • Oxidizers • Pesticides • Photo Fixer; Developer; Other • Reactives • Silica Gel • Solvents-Non-halogenated organic • Solvents-Halogenated • Water Reactive Compounds

There have been a few hydrolic oil spills from equipment and one gasoline spill. These were responded to immediately and were contained. Where the spill was significant a company was contracted to clean up the spill adhereing to stay regulations and guidelines.

Chemical inventories are closely monitored by the Environmental Health and Safety Office. Specifically, there is a shared program for cyonide and arsenic in the labs.

37,851 pounds of of Universal Waste including electronic waste was recycled in 2014 by the college. Drop-off boxes are available for handheld electronics and batteries to be recycled in every residence hall as well as the Science Center, Knapp Library, and Jewett Arts Center. Additionally, school owned computers which are phased out are recycled by the College where at all possible.

The Wellesley College Environmental Health and Safety Office works to make sure that everyone who handles waste before it heads to recycling understands the standards for disposal, posting notices and information for students and staff to follow in dealing with their e-waste; the easiest way to keep people safe from this waste and the environmental effects of landfill disposal is to make it as simple as possible for everyone involved. Handheld devices, batteries, and other e-waste is sent to the Institutional Recycling Network to be dealt with responsibly and professionally once collected. The EHS Office works to make sure that everyone adheres to these basic safety standards: 1. Compliance and safety is everyone’s job. 2. Manage the accumulation of wastes only at designated areas. 3. The EHS Department is available for assistance and guidance.