Recycling

Many commonly used equipment and related materials contain hazardous components which are prohibited from normal trash discarding, and must be recycled. The college has established various recycling programs to assist in the proper recycling of these materials.

Batteries

EHS collects all batteries, including alkaline, lead-acid, lithium, nickel-cadmium, and zinc oxide, for recycling. Submit your request for collection of the batteries via SALUTE.

Computers and Other Electronics

Computers and other electronics with circuit boards contain high levels of toxic heavy metals (e.g., lead, silver) that must be properly managed and recycled via EHS. All computers and electronics containing circuit boards must remain in a secure location until disposed.

Locations serviced by WCM Facilities Management and Campus Services: Submit a work order to Facilities Management and Campus Services to have electronics collected for recycling.
Locations not serviced by WCM Facilities Management and Campus Services: Submit a request to EHS via SALUTE for removal of electronics from your location. Provide location, contact information, and inventory of electronics.

Light Bulbs

Certain light bulbs and lamps may contain toxic metals such as mercury, which require special disposal.

Common examples of universal waste lamps include, but are not limited to, fluorescent, high-intensity discharge (HID), neon, ultraviolet (UV), mercury vapor, high-pressure sodium, and metal halide. These types of light bulbs must be properly managed and recycled via EHS. Submit your request to collect universal waste lamps via SALUTE. Regular incandescent light bulbs are approved for regular trash disposal. Please place these bulbs in cardboard boxes to prevent staff injuries during disposal.

Films Containing Silver

Photographic film and X-ray film may contain silver, which must be properly managed and recycled via EHS. Submit your request to collect films containing silver via SALUTE.

Lead

Lead is found and/or utilized throughout the college. The two main sources of lead are radiation shielding materials (e.g., lead aprons and bricks), and maintenance and construction projects (e.g., old piping and lead paint). Lead waste must be properly managed and recycled via EHS. Submit your request to collect lead waste via SALUTE.

Mercury Devices (Manometers, Thermometers, Thermostats)

Mercury sources may include medical instruments such as sphygmomanometers, gastrointestinal tubes, and thermometers, although mercury thermometers are less common on campus today. Non-mercury alternatives must be used where available. Any mercury-containing equipment or materials must be properly managed and recycled through EHS. Submit your request to collect mercury devices via SALUTE.