Cal Poly Humboldt
OP-21: Hazardous Waste Management

Humboldt State University annually produces hazardous waste just below the large quantity generator threshold. This means that we are required to make a good faith effort to minimize waste generation. At the CSU system level the CSU system-wide hazardous waste contract addresses, in part, this mandate by requiring the contracted waste hauler to select disposal sites that give priority to recycling or thermal destruction methods first and excluding, when possible, land disposal as an option. RM&SS provides support to departments to assist them in their waste minimization efforts. Support may be in the form of consultations regarding processes, periodic bulletins or notices indicating current waste production levels, meetings with waste generators to discuss specific waste streams and ways to reduce their volumes, etc. Waste minimization is a dynamic, ongoing process that involves the entire campus community. It is one of the most important facets of a complete hazardous waste management program. To promote minimization, generators should do the following: • Never order more of a hazardous material than you will use in normal operations during a one or two year period. • Do not allow materials to go past their expiration date. • Make sure hazardous materials are properly containerized and labeled. • Substitute low hazard materials for high hazard materials whenever possible. • Microscale operations when possible. • Plan operations to prevent waste or incorrect use of materials. • Donate your useable, but unwanted or unneeded chemicals to the surplus inventory at https://humboldt.edu/forms/node/600 • Keep hazardous materials inventories up to date so that others may see what you have and request to borrow versus ordering more, many locations have more than they need.

Humboldt State University contracts with a California certified waste hauler to dispose of hazardous, universal, and non-regulated chemical waste at certified reception depots.

Humboldt State University Sustainability staff dropped off a load of recycling to Eel River Resource Recovery (ERRR) on the morning of July 9, 2015 at approximately 10:45. In this load was a presumed empty black poly drum which had at one time contained muriatic acid (HCL). The barrel apparently still contained a residual amount of concentrated HCL, which when punctured by a loader during processing, emitted fumes and spatters of liquid, filling the facility with vapors. The free liquid spattering from the container then reacted with residuals on the floor creating a thick viscous spill area of approximately 15 sq. feet. The building was voluntarily evacuated to allow fumes to dissipate and ERRR staff called 911. Staff reported that the barrel had come from Humboldt State. EH&S received a call from the County at 12:32 pm, stating that one of HSU’s barrels of acid had spilled at ERRR and was requesting spill response personnel from HSU to respond and execute clean-up. EH&S spoke with the facility manager, to verify if the barrel did in fact belong to HSU and inquire about the current condition of the spill, he stated that he was certain the material came from HSU as they are familiar with our staff and had very few drop offs other than HSU prior to the incident. It was disclosed that the fumes had dissipated, the spill was not larger than 15 sq. feet and the barrel was no longer actively leaking. Given this information, EH&S decided that because the department coordinator had training as a Hazardous Materials Technician and had resources available, it would be appropriate for her to respond. The Coordinator was also told there would be an over-pack drum made available to contain and transport the damaged barrel. EH&S requested assistance from appropriately trained sustainability staff, gathered materials and drove the ERRR. Upon arrival, the spill was assessed and response plan was discussed with County staff. The ground and the barrel were applied with neutralizing absorbent. The absorbent was encouraged to penetrate the liquid and complete neutralization, then the barrel and the spent absorbent were placed into the over-pack drum without incident and transported back to campus for disposal by a licensed waste hauler. The incident was terminated at approximately 1:45 pm.

Humboldt State University utilizes an inventory management system(UNHCems) for maintaining a centralized database of chemicals in order to maintain transparency for the safety of first responders and to facilitate the sharing of resources where possible. EH&S also has a surplus chemical donation form end-users may utilize to donate chemcials for re-use.

Asset Management tracks, manages, and reports on the university's capitalized assets, including electronics, from acquisition to disposal. When a department is ready to dispose of capitalized electronic equipment, that department must complete a property management transaction form, explain the proposed disposition for that item (e.g., surplus/donate, or junk/recycle, or cannibalize for parts) and provide a reason for disposal (e.g., item is in good working condition but is no longer needed). Once surveyed by Asset Management, that item is picked up by the Office of Sustainability (OS). If in good working condition, the item is held as surplus, to later be donated or offered through a public auction. Electronics that no longer work are shipped to an electronics recycling facility. Departments are also responsible for recycling or donating non-capitalized electronics by submitting a work request directly to the OS for pick up, and, as with capitalized assets, are either held as surplus or recycled as e-waste. On a weekly basis the OS empties e-waste recycling bins specifically designated for Instructional Technology offices. The OS also collects recycling from publicly accessible bins located in common areas across campus and in on-campus residential areas. These publicly accessible bins are used primarily by students, faculty and staff for the disposal of small personal electronics like cell phones, laptops and peripheral devices. Furthermore, the OS hosts an annual e-waste recycling drop-off event, held on campus for faculty, staff and students. This event is free with a HSU ID. The Office of Sustainability, HSU Residence Life, Asset Management and student groups conduct ongoing social marketing campaigns, outreach and events to increase participation in the electronics recycling efforts on campus. HSU has a contract with ECS Refining, Inc. to recycle its e-waste. This company is certified under e-Stewards and Responsible Recycling (R2) standards (go to www.ecsrefining.com for more information). In the 2015-16 academic year, HSU shipped 20.8 tons of electronics for recycling.

https://www2.humboldt.edu/risksafety/node/85