Tufts University
OP-21: Hazardous Waste Management

Tufts University produces hazardous chemical waste as part of its academic and support programs. The primary sources of hazardous chemical waste are the research and teaching science and engineering laboratories. It is part of higher education to assist students in learning to identify, handle, and dispose of hazardous chemicals in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. Tufts is committed to the recommendation of the American Chemical Society "to buy less, use less" in the design of experiments involving hazardous chemicals. Tufts University recycles all batteries as part of its universal waste program. In support activities, water-based coatings, sealants, and cleaning products are selected preferentially over such products that contain organic solvents. There are strict limits on the disposal of chemicals into the sewer and into solid waste containers; hence all chemical waste is analyzed and disposed of as either hazardous or non-hazardous, non-regulated waste. Additionally, the Department of Environmental Health and Safety considers the following chemicals Particularly Hazardous Substances and requires that a written safety plan be prepared and followed when using these chemicals in vitro (in the laboratory) or in vivo (in animals).    - Select Carcinogens    - Reproductive Toxins    - Highly acutely toxic chemicals or a hazardous drug    - Novel compounds of unknown toxicity There are also certain chemicals that need a High Hazard Chemical Registration form. This process limits the unnecessary use of these chemicals. For a more complete description of the process, see http://publicsafety.tufts.edu/ehs/?pid=88.

Tufts Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) department directly and indirectly provides training to all members of the Tufts community that purchase, store, handle, or dispose of chemicals. Individuals are trained to recognize each form of chemical waste and to understand the method of storing such wastes in each area where such wastes are produced. As mandated by Tufts Environmental Health and Safety, hazardous chemical waste should be placed in a satellite accumulation area (SAA). Each point of generation (e.g. laboratory, clinic, maintenance area) should have an SAA that is under the direct supervision of trained employees. SAAs at a minimum should include a secondary containment system/bin, sign designating the area as a SAA, and be inspected weekly. A dated container requiring pick up must be transported to a main accumulation area (MAA) within 3 days of full date noted on the waste label.  Once in the MAA, the waste is ultimately prepared for shipment and transported by licensed/permitted vendor to a receiving facility approved by the US EPA and/or MassDEP. All chemicals are stored, handled, transported, and disposed of by persons and organizations approved because of their commitment to comply with all applicable regulations that prevent adverse human and environmental effects. Initial and annual refresher training is required for individuals who generate or participate in hazardous waste management activities.

None.

Unknown

Tufts complies with Massachusetts regulation of e-waste, which bans large electronic appliances from landfills. For Tufts-owned electronics, Tufts pays to have them disposed in an ethical and environmentally conscious manner. Tufts Technology Services (TTS) Donation Program - TTS offers a donation and recycling service to safely dispose of old University-owned computers. All data is removed from computers before donation or recycling. Community Relations will match available donated computers with local organizations who have a need. Only University-owned machines can be donated or recycled. Somerville/Medford: Drop boxes are available for small corded electronics and large electronics like computers are recycled through IT or Facilities Services. Boston Campus: Small corded and larger electronics are recyclable through a pick-up request to Facilities Services Grafton Campus: Drop boxes are available for small corded electronics and large electronics like computers are recycled through IT or Facilities Services. SMFA Campus: Drop boxes and pick-up requests from Facilities Services are available for small corded electronics and large electronics like computers are recycled through IT or Facilities Services. Additional information on recycling personal items through the manufacturer is provided: https://operations.tufts.edu/recycle/recycle/specialty-recycling/electronics/

The Hazardous Chemical Waste Management Plan is available at https://publicsafety.tufts.edu/ehs/environmental-management/hazardous-chemical-waste-management/ Information about the electronics recycling program at Tufts can be found at https://operations.tufts.edu/recycle/recycle/specialty-recycling/electronics/