| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 56.35 |
| Liaison | Amy Kadrie |
| Submission Date | Dec. 15, 2021 |
University of Rochester
OP-20: Hazardous Waste Management
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
Bradley
Miller Environmental Compliance Manager Environmental Health & Safety |
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:
From the creation of the Hazardous Waste Unit in 1980, steps have been taken to reduce accumulation of excessive amounts of material even as the University expanded. Now, small amounts of chemicals are bought as opposed to buying larger quantities in an attempt to get a lower price per pound. Automation of many laboratory processes, especially at the Medical Center, has also greatly reduced the generation of hazardous waste. The Hospital eliminated mercury thermometers and sphygmomanometers as well as eliminated the use of mercury compounds in its Special Stains Laboratory in the late 1990s. Mercury containing fluorescent lamps are being phased out in lieu of LED lighting.
The University submits an annual formal “Hazardous Waste Reduction Plan” to the State of NY each year. This plan is subject to review and acceptance by the State and involves specific actions and targets for Hazardous Waste Reduction goals.
A brief description of how the institution safely disposes of hazardous, universal, and non-regulated chemical waste:
The Hazardous Waste Management Unit at the University of Rochester ensures that all hazardous, universal and non-regulated chemical waste is collected, stored, transported and disposed of in compliance with State, Federal and local regulations and in a way that is responsible to the environment. Hazardous Waste technicians pick up the wastes where they are generated and transport them back to the Hazardous Waste Storage facility. Hazardous Waste is shipped out to a licensed TSDF or recycler. Universal and non-regulated chemical wastes are recycled when possible and/or disposed of in accordance with state, federal and local law.
A brief description of any significant hazardous material release incidents during the previous three years, including volume, impact and response/remediation:
In September of 2019, there was a leak of approximately 50 gallons of sulfuric acid from a faulty pipe inside the Central Utilities Plan at the University. Clean Harbors was contacted to stop the leak and clean up the spill. None of the material was released to the environment. There were no injuries. The pipes were repaired and the acid storage tank was given a complete inspection by an outside engineer to ensure it was in good condition. In March of 2020, a leak of approximately 8 gallons of xylene occurred in the Clinical Pathology Lab at Strong Memorial Hospital. This material was cleaned up by the University’s Hazardous Material Spill Response Team. No material was released into the environment. There were no injuries.
A brief description of any inventory system employed by the institution to facilitate the reuse or redistribution of laboratory chemicals:
The University uses the Chematix online inventory system to track chemical inventories. Users can see what materials are in stock, real time, and hopefully this will facilitate reuse and avoid purchase of materials that are already in stock.
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:
All employees and students can arrange for used or new electronics to be recycled through the University-wide Information Technology Equipment Recovery Program. A request for a pickup is made through a website or dropped off at a consolidation location. There are no charges to University users. The materials are then given to SunnKing, a company that specializes in electronics recycling.
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:
https://www.safety.rochester.edu/homepages/envcompliancehome.html
https://tech.rochester.edu/services/it-equipment-recovery-program/
205,534lbs of equipment was processed through the program for the period of 06/01/20 – 05/31/21
https://www.safety.rochester.edu/homepages/envcompliancehome.html
https://tech.rochester.edu/services/it-equipment-recovery-program/
205,534lbs of equipment was processed through the program for the period of 06/01/20 – 05/31/21
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.