The Office of Occupational and Environmental Safety (OES) will now be managing all regulated waste materials that are classified as Universal Waste. As a result of the transition, the Kite Hill Recycling Center on the main campus will no longer accept several waste materials, including non-incandescent light bulbs, many types of batteries and aerosol cans.
The categories of waste items OES will be managing are listed below and managed by the Hazardous Materials Program.
Lamps (bulbs)
Universal Waste lamps consist of, but are not limited to, the following bulbs:
- fluorescent (both straight lamps and compact fluorescent bulbs)
- mercury vapor
- high intensity
- neon
- high-pressure sodium
- metal halide
- LED
*Please note: The only bulb allowed in regular landfill garbage is incandescent. If you are unsure, collect and manage material as universal waste.
Batteries
Universal Waste batteries consist of, but are not limited to, the following listed materials:
- nickel metal halide
- nickel cadmium
- lithium
- lead Acid
- mercury
*Please note: This list does not include alkaline batteries.
Aerosols
This includes all aerosol cans that may contain but not limited to:
- paint
- air
- gases
- disinfectants/cleaners
- deodorizers
*Please note: All aerosol cans, even when empty, must be collected and managed as Universal Waste due to the hazardous propellant contained within the can.
Pesticides
Mercury-containing equipment (thermostats, thermometers, etc.)
Other Waste materials that Kite Hill cannot accept and should go to OES are:
- paints (latex or oil-based)
- paint thinners
- gasoline
- antifreeze
- oil antifreeze and/or gasoline mixtures
- fire extinguishers
- propane tanks/cylinders
- PCB or suspectedd PCB light ballasts
- tires
For additional guidance and disposal of waste materials, University departments, faculty, staff and students should contact Occupational and Environmental Safety’s Hazardous Materials department.