| Overall Rating | Bronze |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 31.17 |
| Liaison | José Otazú Mejía |
| Submission Date | Jan. 2, 2024 |
Universidad Científica del Sur
OP-20: Hazardous Waste Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.50 / 1.00 |
José Miguel
Otazú Mejía Environmental Sustainability Officer Environmental Engineering Program |
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:
The requested activity is not being carried out.
A brief description of how the institution safely disposes of hazardous, universal, and non-regulated chemical waste:
Hazardous waste is placed in properly labeled red bins in all primary areas where it is generated, primarily in laboratories. It is then handled by trained and protected personnel and taken to a dedicated storage area for hazardous waste (covered area). From there, it is transported to the landfill by a specialized third-party company that complies with national regulations for collection, transportation, and final disposal. For each shipment, they provide an official certificate.
A brief description of any significant hazardous material release incidents during the previous three years, including volume, impact and response/remediation:
During the year 2021, a cleaning staff member accidentally pricked themselves with a needle from the chemistry laboratories, reporting the incident promptly and taking corrective actions. Regarding the staff member, they were sent for specialized review and monitoring, and all legal benefits were provided. The safety team, on their part, took action to evaluate the incident, noting that it resulted from the improper use of red bags. Since that date, there has been communication and emphasis on the correct usage of bags to prevent such incidents.
A brief description of any inventory system employed by the institution to facilitate the reuse or redistribution of laboratory chemicals:
The institution has not implemented an inventory system for the reuse or redistribution of laboratory chemicals.
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:
The university has established an agreement with the company Entel for the proper disposal of small electrical and electronic waste (e-waste). Thanks to this collaboration, the university achieves efficient and responsible management of unused electronic devices. The partnership with Entel helps optimize the collection and disposal process of e-waste. The university has a regular and secure collection system in place, where outdated electronic equipment and devices are efficiently removed from the university premises.Also,Large e-waste that can still be used is donated to the organization ANIQUEM, which provides them with a second life with a primary social objective of assisting in the treatment and rehabilitation of burned children.
Is the institution’s electronic waste recycler certified under the e-Stewards and/or Responsible Recycling (R2) standards?:
Website URL where information about the institution’s hazardous waste program 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.