University of Manitoba
OP-20: Hazardous Waste Management

The University of Manitoba's Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHSO) has developed programs including a “Buy as Need” program to ensure no excess chemicals are purchased and wasted. The Vertere chemical inventory system offers the ability to share excess chemicals between laboratories.

The UM Hazardous Waste Program provides guidelines for the disposal of all hazardous, universal and non-regulated waste generated. All hazardous waste collected through the program are sent for disposal through a local licenced hazardous waste vendor. The hazardous waste program ensures that all chemicals that cannot be sent down the drain or into the external environment are collected and disposed of in an environmentally-responsible manner following environmental compliance requirements.

Radioactive waste is either stored and decayed prior to disposal, disposed in adherence with the municipal disposal limits outlined in the UM nuclear substances and radiation devices license issued through the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, or through a licensed third-party contractor.

Biological waste is physically or chemically decontaminated (autoclaved or bleached) prior to disposal at the Brady landfill.

The EHSO office also conducts lab inspections and Chemical Safety training to ensure those that hazardous materials understand how to safely handle and dispose of these materials.

There have been no significant releases in the past three years.

UM uses Vertere electronic inventory system. The system monitors purchases and use of chemicals and enables lab workers to borrow available/excess chemicals from other labs. It allows for planning and considers risk mitigation.

UM has multiple programs for reuse or recycling of electronic waste.
1. A battery recycling program exists where boxes are placed throughout campus in offices and public use spaces. These are accessible by both students, staff and faculty. Instructions for what can be placed in the boxes is provided on the outside of the box. The batteries in the boxes are properly recycled by Call-2-Recycle, an official battery stewardship program in Manitoba.
2. UM Information Services and Technology (IST) is responsible for recycling electronics throughout the campus on an as need basis. If an office purchases a new printer or computer due to change in requirements, the old items, if still in working condition, are reused by another office.
3. Electronic items that are no longer in working order are collected decommissioned and sent for ewaste recycling by a local company.
4. The UM Residence Move Out campaign is for students to collect all electronics, clothes, dishes, or reusable items. The items are donated to a local charity for distribution to community members in need.