Managing hazardous waste streams in compliance with all federal and state regulations is a difficult task for any organization, but add in the complexities of a very large organization with a wide variety of disposal needs and it becomes important to find the right partner to keep things manageable.
An institution of higher learning is the type of large organization that has very diverse needs. It’s important to work with experienced vendors to find the right waste disposal options for colleges and universities.
Here are some of the campus disposal needs that require extra attention that a good environmental disposal company can handle.
Campuses, especially institutions of higher education, generate a wide range of hazardous waste due to the breadth of academic, research and facility operations. Managing these waste streams requires careful planning, compliance with federal and state regulations, and coordination across multiple departments.
Below are some of the most commonly encountered hazardous waste streams on campus.
One of the most complex areas of campus waste management involves laboratory chemicals. With rotating faculty,
To address this, many institutions rely on lab pack services — a regulated process of identifying, categorizing, and safely packaging small containers (typically five gallons or less) of hazardous and non-hazardous materials. These are then consolidated into DOT-compliant drums for transportation and proper disposal under federal guidelines.
Dissection and research involving animal specimens remain essential educational tools. However, the disposal of tissues, organs, carcasses and preservation fluids must follow strict protocols. Requirements vary by state, making it essential to partner with vendors experienced in compliant biological waste disposal.
Having a clear plan for selection, usage and disposal ensures safety and regulatory compliance while supporting the learning process.
Health sciences departments and campus health clinics frequently generate medical waste, including used syringes, scalpels and other sharps. This type of waste poses both a biological and physical hazard and must be collected in puncture-resistant, clearly labeled containers.
Proper disposal typically involves working with licensed medical waste haulers to ensure the material is treated (via autoclaving or incineration) and disposed of according to federal and state biohazard regulations.
Outdated or broken electronics such as lab equipment, computers and batteries are considered electronic waste and may contain hazardous materials like lead, mercury and cadmium. These substances are harmful to both human health and the environment if not properly handled.
Campuses should establish e-waste recycling programs in partnership with certified e-waste recyclers to ensure that data is securely destroyed and that components are responsibly recycled or disposed of.
Items like fluorescent light bulbs, batteries and certain pesticides fall under the category of universal waste—a classification for commonly produced hazardous waste that is subject to streamlined handling requirements.
These materials are still hazardous and must be collected and stored properly to avoid spills, breakage, or regulatory violations.
Implementing a centralized collection and labeling system can help campuses manage universal waste more efficiently while remaining in compliance.
Given the wide range of hazardous waste types on campus, universities need access to multiple disposal methods
Here are some common disposal options for waste that is generated on your college campus.
By integrating a variety of disposal options into a centralized waste management strategy, colleges and universities can effectively navigate the complexities of campus-wide hazardous waste disposal while maintaining a safe and compliant learning environment.
Another significant obstacle of working with a college and university is the variety of hazardous waste streams on campus. From laboratories, to the athletic department, to the campus maintenance crews, there are a variety of hazardous waste streams that need to be effectively managed and disposed of.
To effectively store and dispose of these toxic substances, it is important that vendors have a thorough understanding of your operations, and experience with a wide variety of substances.
Typical hazardous waste streams found on campus are cleaning solvents and degreasers in the maintenance department, chemicals used with pool maintenance, and substances used in automotive and equipment maintenance around campus.
Because of the variety of needs on campus, it would be wise to consult a RCRA-approved hazardous waste disposal company that can handle your school lab waste and chemical removal in accordance with the law.
The stakes for proper hazardous waste management are high. EPA Fines have increased, so proper administration is critical. EPA-compliance, proper licenses and certifications and up-to-date and thorough regulatory knowledge are the musts to look for in a prospective company to handle your lab packs, hazardous waste, and animal specimen disposal.
To select the right hazardous waste disposal company, be sure to also ask whether the hazardous waste removal company has the required training, experience, skilled technicians, detailed cleanup crews, and experience filling out the paperwork necessary to keep you in regulatory compliance.
By making sure your disposal company adheres to these criteria, you can ensure your campus waste streams will be picked up on a routine schedule when you need it, transported and safely disposed of, all while offering the best possible price.