Recycling

(Note:  For recycling of items not listed here, visit Physical Plant website.)

Batteries

Environmental Health & Safety recycles ALL types of batteries.

Bring unwanted batteries to 047 Biological Sciences 2.

• Only chemically compatible battery types should be packaged in the same package.
• All batteries must be packaged to prevent any sparks or generation of heat.
• All batteries should be stored in a cool, dry environment.
• All leads should be taped to prevent electrical contact.
• Leaking batteries must be individually packaged and will require shipment as an EPA hazardous waste (Call EHS 3788).
• All containers of universal waste batteries must be marked with the words, “Universal Waste Batteries,” “Waste Batteries,” or “Used Batteries” and be marked with the accumulation start date.
• The accumulation start date shall not go over one year.

Electronics

Unwanted computers, monitors, televisions, and other university owned electronics are to be sent to ESPM.  After the ESPM process, the remaining items are shipped to the university's recycling firm, shredded, and recycled.

Personal devices will not be accepted. Again, we accept only university owned electronics.

Fluorescent Lights & Ballasts

If you generate fluorescent light ballasts that contain PCB's and/or fluorescent lights, including all mercury vapor, HID, high pressure sodium, and metal halide lamps you are to contact the Physical Plant Customer Service Center, (ext. 4444), for the nearest Physical Plant Shop and request a pick-up. Fluorescent light ballasts and fluorescent lights, including all mercury vapor, HID, high pressure sodium, and metal halide lamps, are to be collected by Physical Plant.

Use these instructions if you work for Physical Plant and have the responsibility of collecting fluorescent lights or ballasts:

Fluorescent Lights:

Fluorescent lights, including all mercury vapor, HID, high pressure sodium, and metal halide lamps are to be accumulated by Physical Plant personnel and recycled, by Physical Plant, through the university's contracted recycling firm. All packaging of fluorescent lights shall be as instructed by the recycling firm. All fluorescent lights must be sent for recycling. The disposal of any fluorescent lights into the regular trash is prohibited without prior approval from the Department of Environmental Health and Safety.

Ballasts:

Ballasts that contain PCB's are to be accumulated by Physical Plant and ultimately disposed through the Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS). Follow these guidelines:

• Only ballasts containing PCB's must be managed as described here. Non PCB containing ballasts can be disposed as regular solid waste by discarding them in the nearest trash receptacle or dumpster. Any ballast used prior to 1980 is assumed to contain PCB's unless the words "Contains No PCB's" is written on the label. Any ballast manufactured after 1980 (except for dry electric ballasts) should be labeled as not containing PCB's. Dry electric ballasts do not contain PCB's.

• PCB containing ballasts shall be accumulated in an approved 30 gallon steel drum. Call EHS at ext. 3788 for the drums.

• All wires shall be clipped off the ballast as close to the ballast as possible.

• Ballasts should be stacked in the drum to allow for the greatest number of ballasts as possible to be collected in one drum.

• All full drums must be stored in an area accessible by EHS's truck. When drums are ready, fill out online form to request a pick-up. Let EHS know if any new drums are needed.

• All full drums must be discarded within one year from the date of the first ballast added to the drum.

• Any PCB ballasts found not to be packaged per these instructions will not be picked up or will be returned and / or left until properly prepared for pick up.

Mercury Containing Devices (MCD's)

• Intact thermometers / MCD's can be picked up without any labeling or packaging.  Contact EHS to request a pick-up at extension 2215
• Broken thermometers must have the broken end taped closed to prevent the accidental discharge of mercury.
• Call EHS for assistance in cleaning up any spilled mercury, or contact EHS to request a pick-up.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call Bill Palmer, at ext. 3788 or 2215.