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Effective Management of Universal Waste at the University of Rochester Strong Memorial Hospital

This case study explores the universal waste management strategies implemented at the University of Rochester Strong Memorial Hospital, focusing on hazardous waste compliance and collection systems. Led by Marvin Stillman, Manager of Environmental Compliance, the initiative addresses regulatory challenges involving hazardous waste batteries, lamps, and pesticides. It highlights the importance of convenience in collection points, effective staff training, and collaboration with central pest control. The program aims to maintain compliance while minimizing environmental impact and promoting sustainability within the institution.

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Effective Management of Universal Waste at the University of Rochester Strong Memorial Hospital

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  1. Universal Waste Case Study University of Rochester Strong Memorial Hospital Marvin Stillman, Manager Environmental Compliance

  2. Universal Waste • Are already regulated as Hazardous Waste • HW batteries • Thermostats • HW recalled pesticides • HW mercury lamps

  3. The Choices • Manage • Under full HW Rules • Manage • Under relaxed Universal Waste Rules • Do Not Manage • Face penalties for non-compliance

  4. Background • Hopelessly Large Quantity Generator • HW = 21 TPY entire university • Share EPA ID with University • Large Medical Research Complex • Graduate/Undergraduate campus • Share EH&S with University

  5. Collection Considerations • Collection Points set up • Convenience is important • Incorporate into existing handling processes • Follow labeling requirements

  6. Battery Collection Points • Facilities & Services • At point where new batteries are picked up • Clinical • Soiled utility cart for later segregation • Special bin in cart cleaning area • General Public and Staff • Service desks such as Page Office or Information desk

  7. Battery Collection Con’t • Service Shops • Medical Engineering • Photo Illustration • Option to call for direct pickup by Hazardous Waste Management staff

  8. Used Battery Collection

  9. Batteries Awaiting Shipment

  10. Lamps • Separate collection was set up in an area on the way to the dumpster. • Brought to central University Hazardous Waste Facility for ultimate disposal. • Hauler exchanges large cardboard tubes for 4’ lamps • The rest are in boxes on pallets

  11. Reusable Lamp Containers

  12. Lamps Shipment Container

  13. Recalled Pesticides • Avoided through Integrated Pest Management • Managed as HW if there is any for disposal • All pesticides are handled by central pest control department • Universal Waste option for recalled pesticides is not really beneficial for our situation

  14. Computers • Regulated as Hazardous Waste • Throwing away is not an option • Not Universal Waste----yet • NYSDEC scrap metal ruling for NY • Managed through a local electronics recycling firm

  15. Computer Collection Area

  16. Challenges • Change staff thinking through education • These cannot be thrown away • Items are seen as common and non-threatening • Incorporate new policy into training classes • Write articles in campus publications • Get supervisors to enforce

  17. Challenges 2 • You get no more staff • Incorporate separation and collection into existing materials flow • Computers and lamp collection areas are located near other trash dumpsters • The same staff that used to pick them up still do • They now keep them separated • Or collect used when new items are picked up

  18. Challenges 3 • Sell to administration • This has not been a problem • Special management is legal requirement • Cost-effective contracts were negotiated • Existing operations used to manage where possible • Credibility of Environmental staff not questioned • Success tracked and reported • Sell minimal compliance before addressing going beyond compliance

  19. Examples of Mercury Items Used for Training

  20. Benefit • UR to stay below 25 tons per year HW • Proposed NYS generator tax hike of $4,000 year if over 25 tons • Longer storage time for certain HW batteries such as button to fill container • Other institutions may be able to lower generator status to minimize regulatory impact

  21. Minimal Operational Benefit to UR • Thermostats • Shipped with other HW • Recalled Pesticides • No reason to hold on to these

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