| Overall Rating | Reporter - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | |
| Liaison | Greg Monaco |
| Submission Date | Nov. 10, 2016 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Stony Brook University
OP-25: Hazardous Waste Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
Reporter |
Michael
Youdelman Recycling and Resource Mgmt Recycling and Resource Mgmt |
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:
To establish policies, work practices, and systematic procedures for the handling, packaging, collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal of hazardous wastes that are regulated by law. Hazardous waste includes chemical and mixed hazardous (radioactive and chemical) wastes. The goal of this policy is to ensure the proper and safe management (generation, treatment, storage, and disposal) of hazardous wastes at Stony Brook University, while applying the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s hierarchy of waste minimization: reduce, reuse, and recycle. In addition, the policy ensures compliance with federal, state and local regulations on proper handling of hazardous wastes.
A brief description of how the institution safely disposes of hazardous, universal, and non-regulated chemical waste:
All waste generated at this University shall be handled, packaged, collected, transported, treated, and disposed of in such a manner as to protect health and safety, assure compliance with environmental regulations and law, promote effective utilization of resources and contribute to and support the mission of the University. The University also supports, and will strive to meet or exceed, the waste minimization objectives stated in the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and similar initiatives.
A brief description of any significant hazardous material release incidents during the previous three years, including volume, impact and response/remediation:
We have not had any significant hazardous material releases in the past three years.
A brief description of any inventory system employed by the institution to facilitate the reuse or redistribution of laboratory chemicals:
The University determines which chemicals are usable and will relocate/transfer responsibility for these materials to another party who is willing to take charge of them. If chemicals will be moved to another laboratory, ensure that the EH&S policy “Movement of Laboratory Owned Research Chemicals” is followed.
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):
There are forms that are filled in compliance with Environmental Health & Safety for larger electronic devices. Smaller objects such as cell phones, batteries and ink cartridges are deposited in cardboard boxes that are located in several buildings on campus. E-waste pick ups are done by custodial services on a regular basis.
A brief description of steps taken to ensure that e-waste is recycled responsibly, workers’ basic safety is protected, and environmental standards are met:
At Stony Brook University (SBU), a program is in place that provides for the collection, redistribution and/or disposal (for recycling) of the surplus consumer electronics generated here. Essentially, such consumer electronics can be disposed of through Property Control where they are either redistributed or are prepped for disposal for recycling by the consumer electronics recycling vendor under contract.
The following site management recommendations apply to all SBU employees who handle used electronic equipment:
1. Used electronic equipment should be protected from weather and stored to protect from breakage. Breakage can result in the used electronic equipment being subject to hazardous waste generator requirements, and can result in lead, cadmium, or mercury contamination.
2. Employees who handle the used electronic equipment should be made aware of safe handling practices to prevent breakage, and on how to handle any breakage.
3. Equipment should be stored in an area that is inaccessible to the general public.
4. Used electronic equipment should not be stored in lieu of disposal. Storage without evidence of the intent to recycle is subject to full hazardous waste regulation.
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.