Southern Oregon University
OP-21: Hazardous Waste Management

The Department of Environmental Health and Safety supports Southern Oregon University’s mission by providing leadership, resources, and services to ensure a safe and healthful campus environment. The Department develops, establishes and administers policies and procedures for environmental compliance, health and safety to ensure the University’s compliance with relevant federal, state and local laws, regulatory guidelines, and industry standards. As stewards of the University’s human, physical and environmental resources, our goal is to provide consultation, programs, and services that: prevent accidents and minimize risks; minimize human exposure to hazardous agents and conditions; protect the environment through responsible waste management and active waste reduction; prevent the spread of disease from unsanitary conditions; and conserve resources. In partnership with University faculty and staff, we continue to develop and implement cooperative services and programs that ensure adequate employee training, monitor potentially hazardous conditions, provide health and safety resources and timely assistance, manage hazardous and radioactive wastes, and facilitate regulatory compliance.

All universal waste is collected by the Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) and Facilities Management & Planning Departments. There is a central collection station for all fluorescent lamps and ballasts. The recycling program manages several battery collection stations across campus. All batteries are sorted at the recycling center, then recycled or otherwise disposed of, depending on battery type. All universal waste is disposed of through vendors approved by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. SOU is classified as a Conditionally Exempt Generator of hazardous waste. All hazardous waste is disposed of by the EHS office through Oregon University System-approved vendors. The procedures for collection of hazardous waste materials are described at: https://inside.sou.edu/ehs/policies.html

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

We do not have an inventory system for reuse or redistribution of laboratory chemicals currently in place.

Users having surplus equipment call the Help Desk to request a pick up of equipment. The requesting department is given an "Equipment Transferred to IT Department" receipt and the equipment is reviewed for functionality and age. The form is then completed with the disposition of the property as to it being e-wasted. E-wasted equipment is transferred to a gaylord and when it is full the recyclers pick it up for disposal. Non-IT electronics are boxed and handled by the Environmental Health and Safety office and the Recycling Program. These programs work together to coordinate proper recycling of electronic waste with a reputable recycler. Electronic waste generated by students is handled by the campus Recycling Program. The Recycling Program works with Goodwill to ensure that all e-waste generated by students is reused or recycled. Items that are still in working condition and considered useful for students are kept on campus and made available on a Free Stuff Shelf for anyone to take for reuse.