Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 69.71
Liaison Alex Davis
Submission Date Feb. 28, 2014
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

Arizona State University
OP-25: Hazardous Waste Management

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.00 / 1.00 Betty Lombardo
Manager
University Sustainability Practices
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

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?:
Yes

A brief description of steps taken to reduce hazardous, special (e.g. coal ash), universal, and non-regulated chemical waste:

All waste are documented and categorized to disposal, reuse or recycle. Flammable liquids are mixed for energy recovery. non-regulated chemicals are subtracted from the hazardous waste program. Light bulbs are collected and de-engineered for recycling. Used oils are segregated for recycling.


A brief description of how the institution safely disposes of hazardous, universal, and non-regulated chemical waste:

The University has an aggressive hazardous, universal, and non-regulated chemical waste program that is mandated by written policy, implemented by a funded program employing 6 full time university employee environmental professionals. All wastes are collected, and moved into a central accumulation area where the material are packaged for off-site transport to fully licensed hazardous waste disposal facilities (TSDFs). or recycling centers.


A brief description of any significant hazardous material release incidents during the previous three years, including volume, impact and response/remediation:

In May of 2012, the Central Plant had a sulfuric acid release (20-gallons) from faulty piping in the cooling tower. There was one injury and some property damage. The initial response came from in-house spill team and they coordinated an outside contractor to clean up the spill and return the facilities to operation.


A brief description of any inventory system employed by the institution to facilitate the reuse or redistribution of laboratory chemicals:

Arizona State University does not have an inventory system employed to facilitate the reuse or redistribution of laboratory chemicals.


Does the institution have or participate in a program to responsibly recycle, reuse, and/or refurbish all electronic waste generated by the institution?:
Yes

Does the institution have or participate in a program to responsibly recycle, reuse, and/or refurbish electronic waste generated by students?:
Yes

A brief description of the electronic waste recycling program(s):

Arizona State University’s electronics and appliance recycling program accepts computers and peripherals, TVs and components, video games, stereo and video equipment, cameras, cables and switches, personal mini-fridges, microwaves, and more. Faculty and staff must contact Surplus Property for pick up.


A brief description of steps taken to ensure that e-waste is recycled responsibly, workers’ basic safety is protected, and environmental standards are met:

Electronics and appliances in good condition are collected by ASU Surplus Property and sold to auction bidders. Electronics and appliances that are generated from residence halls or are in poor condition are taken to Westech, a recycling company located near downtown Phoenix. Items in good condition are refurbished for continued use and broken items are taken apart and the individual parts are recycled.

Whenever possible, Westech keeps items in local and regional markets. They recycle items in accordance with all state and federal regulations. University representatives has performed site visits to ensure that Westech responsively demanufactures and recycles electronic waste.


The website URL where information about the institution’s hazardous and electronic-waste recycling programs is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:

The electronic-waste recycling program URL is: https://cfo.asu.edu/zw-recycling-electronics


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.