Universal Waste
Universal waste in general is waste material of high volume but low toxicity. These materials fall into
four major categories. They are batteries, used lamps, mercury containing thermostats, and pesticides.
While all four of these categories are universal waste by definition, only batteries and lamps are
handled as universal waste by Building Services. Each work area on campus has a designated
universal waste collection point. It is the responsibility of the employee assigned to the work area to
ensure that all applicable regulations are followed.
These regulations are:
1) All lamp types must be collected in an original container or other sturdy container to prevent
breakage.
2) There should be a different container separating T8 and T12 lamps from screw in and smaller
types of lamps.
3) The container must be labeled properly as soon as the first bulb is placed in it.
4) Correct labeling procedures include labeling them as “Waste Electric Lamps” along with the
accumulation start date (the date the first bulb is placed in the box), and the total number of
bulbs in the container.
5) Monthly inspections are conducted by Building Services to ensure that all lamps are stored in a
container that is labeled properly and closed, that the start date on the container does not
exceed a year and that broken lamps are in a separate container and marked as broken.
We all share in the responsibility to ensure that Calvin is managing generated waste streams
appropriately. Not only is it mandatory by regulatory requirements but it is the right thing to do to protect
the environment.
While this summary outlines building services role in managing universal waste, it does not
discuss every facet of the college's program. For more information please contact Environmental
Health and Safety.
Universal & Hazardous Waste
New
2/15/2017
CT
Title
Revision
Date
Approved
Hazardous Waste
Hazardous waste generated in the performance of building services operations is generally
minimal. In most cases where hazardous waste is generated in your work area, someone in that
area is designated as being responsible for collection, storage and disposal of this waste.
Examples of areas where hazardous waste is routinely generated are the Science Building and
Physical Plant.
There are two primary situations in building services operations that would result in you being
required to handle hazardous waste. The first is if you were to discover an old container of an
obsolete cleaning chemical that is a corrosive. In this situation you should contact your supervisor to
deal with the chemical. The second is if you discover some type of hazardous material in a student's
room during dorm clean up. In this case you should immediately contact your supervisor for guidance.
As a rule of thumb to keep you safe, when in doubt, err on the side of caution. If you discover
some type of material that you cannot identify contact your supervisor for guidance. NEVER dispose
of unknown materials in the trash or down the drain. Likewise, if you discover an old container of
chemicals that you are familiar with but is no longer used, do not dispose of down the drain. Notify
your supervisor to deal with the material.
Universal & Hazardous Waste
New
2/15/2017
CT
Title
Revision
Date
Approved