| Overall Rating | Bronze - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 42.88 |
| Liaison | Jim Simon |
| Submission Date | June 28, 2017 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Gonzaga University
OP-25: Hazardous Waste Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
Tomson
Spink Maintenance Director Plant Services |
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:
Reduction of chemical product is important in reducing chemical waste. As stated in Gonzaga’s Chemical Hygiene Plan: “it is Gonzaga University's policy that all chemical purchases be of minimum amount needed for the immediate needs and discourages stock piling of chemicals for the sake of better prices.” Gonzaga makes efforts to reduce the use of products with hazardous materials by actively looking for safer, green alternatives. This includes purchasing biodegradable, phosphate-free cleaning solvents, paint with little or no VOC's, and lead and mercury-free equipment whenever possible.
Gonzaga also understands that it costs 3 to 4 times more to dispose of a chemical as to purchase it. This is discussed during training of Gonzaga staff members who work in Labs.
Hazardous Materials Management and Contingency Program:
https://www.gonzaga.edu/campus-resources/offices-and-services-a-z/Human-resources/HAZMatManagementContingencyPlan2014003.pdf
A brief description of how the institution safely disposes of hazardous, universal, and non-regulated chemical waste:
Gonzaga's chemical waste consists of a few satellite accumulations areas and one main collection area for hazardous waste. Staff members are trained according to the chemical hygiene plan on proper disposal techniques, including labeling, and logging waste quantities and types. Gonzaga’s Safety Programs Manager schedules routine waste pickups with outside vendors in accordance with pertinent state and/or county regulations. Safety Programs Manager also conducts routine inspections of the chemical waste holding area.
A brief description of any significant hazardous material release incidents during the previous three years, including volume, impact and response/remediation:
No such event occurred.
A brief description of any inventory system employed by the institution to facilitate the reuse or redistribution of laboratory chemicals:
Gonzaga science labs currently have a bar code tracking system used for all chemicals that allows efficient use and re-distribution of chemicals and timely re-ordering. Every chemical purchased is tagged with a bar code and is tracked until product is used up. The bar code system is managed by staff who also log chemical waste inventory and who notify safety manager when materials need disposed.
Does the institution have or participate in a program to responsibly recycle, reuse, and/or refurbish all 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):
Gonzaga participates in the E-Cycle Washington program. E-Cycle Washington is a free program that provides responsible recycling of computers (including laptop and “tablet” PCs), monitors, TVs and e-readers in our state. Recycling is provided free of charge to households, small businesses, school districts, small governments and charities at authorized collection sites. Students are able to drop off their old or broken electronics at IT Services to be recycled through this program as well.
A brief description of steps taken to ensure that e-waste is recycled responsibly, workers’ basic safety is protected, and environmental standards are met:
Gonzaga University has a robust surplus and recycling program on campus. Light bulbs, light tubes, TV’s, computer monitors, computers, and other items are recycled. There are designated bins and barrels for recycled items located at Information Technology Services, Maintenance warehouse, University Purchasing and University Warehouse. Once these bins are full designated people in this area contact Be Green Spokane for removal. Items are taken to their facility where they are sorted and recycled per the Washington State standards.
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 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.