Goals

Minimize Hazardous Waste and Toxic Materials on Campus

Minimize use of and effectively track and dispose of hazardous materials.

1. Minimize the presence of toxic materials and minimize the generation of hazardous waste. (Environmental Health and Safety, Maurine Claver)

   Prior Accomplishments:

   1. In conjunction with DEP obtain approval of procedures for "treatment" of selected hazardous materials as waste products. Approvals received and process to be initiated winter 2002.

   2002-03 Accomplishments:

   1. Eliminated over 8,780 mercury-containing thermometers, containing over 523 pounds of elemental mercury from all University locations.
   3. Distributed information on a wide range of environmental health and safety initiatives through newsletters and monthly handouts to the University community - hazardous materials handling and disposal for batteries, oils, and photographic chemicals; fire safety; smoke detector disposal; and electronic equipment disposal.

   2003-04 Goals:

   1. Continue to eliminate hazardous materials use and storage through continued education and oversight.
   2. Complete the Mercury Thermometer Exchange Program.
   3. Continue to enhance overall EHS programs at non-University Park locations.
   4. Continue to replace mercury containing florescent light bulbs with mercury free ones.
   5. Implement a Hazardous Material Management System to reduce quantities of hazardous material used, stored, and disposed of.
   6. Support Centre County regional efforts to initiate curbside pickup of hazardous waste.
2. Dispose of hazardous and radioactive waste in an environmentally responsible manner. (Environmental Health and Safety, Maurine Claver)

   2004-2005 Goals:

   1. Continue to reduce the quantities of radioactive waste generated and disposed of through education and sound oversight.