Bowdoin College
OP-20: Hazardous Waste Management

Bowdoin has shifted to microscale science for many of its instructional labs. The microscale concept was first developed and popularized by chemistry professors at Bowdoin College. The principle was to modify standard class-room chemistry procedures in a way that uses a fraction of the typical quantity of chemicals. The goal was to reduce the cost of chemical purchase and disposal and to minimize the risks that accompany the use, storage, and disposal of chemicals. A crucial benefit of "going microscale" is a safer environment for students and instructors, including better air quality. The Bowdoin laboratory manager conducts a chemical reuse inventory as part of Bowdoin's Waste Minimization Plan. This is supported by the chemical inventory system for the science center that reduces wasteful ordering by allowing employees to determine if a chemical is in stock prior to purchasing. The inventory system also allows Bowdoin to perform "clean-outs" for old and unused chemicals, continuously reducing the volume of chemicals stored on site. Bowdoin continuously looks for product substitutions for hazardous chemicals. Improvements have been made in housekeeping by identifying multipurpose cleaners that can eliminate several specialized cleaners. Bowdoin conducts trainings and refresher courses for employees as part of an effort to reduce hazardous, universal, and nonregulated chemical waste.

Bowdoin adheres to all state and federal regulations pertaining to the generation, identification, storage, and management for all hazardous, universal and non-regulated chemical wastes. New waste streams are characterized as they are identified, and existing waste stream characterizations are updated annually to ensure the proper waste management method is being used. Bowdoin contracts with licensed waste transporters for the removal of all regulated and non-regulated chemical wastes. All employees that handle or manage these waste streams are trained annually.

Bowdoin has not had any significant hazardous material release incidents in the last three years.

Bowdoin utilizes an electronic chemical inventory and central chemical stock room for the science center. All chemicals are barcoded and uploaded into the inventory. Chemicals are "checked out" to laboratories and tracked by location. As laboratories and experiments change, chemicals are returned to the stock room and "checked in." Staff can review the stockroom inventory to determine if a chemical is in stock prior to ordering. This reduces the volume of chemical ordered and reduces the waste by encouraging the reuse of chemicals that would typically be disposed.

E-waste is generated through routine updates and improvements in the electronics that are used in campus offices, computer labs, and campus systems. Bowdoin offers collection and recycling of these materials for all members of the College. Additionally, Bowdoin sustainability offers an annual household electronics drop-off event open to the campus community. All e-waste generated is shipped as universal waste with a licensed waste hauler for reuse, recycling, or disposal. The information technology department at Bowdoin also collects unwanted but usable items and sells them or donates them to various nonprofits in the area.