University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
OP-21: Hazardous Waste Management

As a generator of hazardous chemical waste, UNC Chapel Hill has an obligation under federal and state regulations, and to the community, to reduce the volume and quantity of hazardous, universal, and non-regulated wastes generated on campus. This is accomplished, in part, through the Waste Minimization Program which is actively managed by the EHS Environmental Affairs group.

Hazardous waste outreach efforts include a poster for lab entrances, showing proper labeling and containment practices. On a weekly basis, hazardous waste management specialists visit large generating areas to identify and resolve potential compliance problems, enhance awareness, and reinforce proper procedures.

The EHS Environmental Affairs group manages the Hazardous Materials Facility (HMF) which is the central accumulation area for all hazardous waste generated by teaching and research laboratories, maintenance and facilities service activities, a cogeneration facility, the Horace Williams airport, and the Finley golf course. Waste is managed by trained personnel from the EHS Environmental Affairs group under a federal Part B hazardous waste management permit (permit number NCD 982093783). EHS offers training classes, on-line waste management and pick-up tutorials, as well as publicly available resources to assist personnel within generating areas to properly manage their wastes. Hazardous materials are typically managed through an on-line registration and management system designed to streamline documentation requirements and more efficiently track waste streams from point of generation to recycling/disposal. Wherever possible, and consistent with its waste minimization goals, UNC Chapel Hill endeavors to recycle waste streams including batteries, circuit boards, light ballasts, computer equipment, film, film fixer, lead solder, silver solder, mercury, and dental amalgam.

There were no significant hazardous material release incidents during the previous three years.

Members of the science and research labs community on campus created an equipment and supply share listserv. Campus community members may join and post to the list offering and requesting items, including laboratory chemicals.

Additionally, interdepartmental chemical exchanges during laboratory clean-outs and relocations are facilitated by Environment, Health, and Safety.

As of July 2011, all electronic waste was banned from landfills in North Carolina. All UNC computer equipment that is no longer wanted (including non-working equipment) should be taken to UNC Surplus Property. Computer equipment is then sent to State Surplus property. Working computer equipment is sold through State Surplus Property, and non-working equipment is repaired for use in North Carolina schools. Computer equipment that can not be repaired is recycled. Surplus Property removes all data from the equipment before equipment is sold or recycled.

UNC’s Surplus Property Office sends broken and unsold electronics to Powerhouse Recycling. Powerhouse Recycling uses recycling equipment that shreds and separates electronics into their original material of plastics, steel, aluminum, precious metals, and recycles and recovers commodities into reusable products. As a precaution, Powerhouse Recycling assures compliance with privacy laws by making sure that any data is written over.

Students can recycle personal computer equipment and peripherals at the Frank Porter Graham Student Union. Electronic waste bins are located by the 1st floor presentation space and the 2nd floor lounge (by Alpine Bagel). Students can recycle their cell phones in the Student Union E-waste recycling bins or at area offices of their housing communities. Clear display jugs are located in each area office — just drop it off in the jug.