Waste Procedures

Electronics Recycling, Light Bulbs Exchanges and Hazardous Waste Disposal

Introduction

The ERI department here is firmly committed to sustainability practices at all levels, therefore all waste must be disposed of properly so as to mitigate its environmental damage. All recyclable waste can be categorized into one of three groupings: General Recycling, Hazardous Waste, and Techno Trash. Each group has its own individualized procedure for disposal and should be followed accordingly.

General Recycling

General Recycling refers to any of the everyday recyclables you would encounter regularly. Getting rid of these items properly simply entails throwing them away in the right bin.

General Recycling Items List

• paper
• cardboard
• packing styrofoam/peanuts
• plastics
• aluminum
• Green Waste Composte

Hazardous Waste

Lead Acid batteries (UPSs, car batteries, boat batteries)

CFLs

Techno Trash

alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, nimh nicad lion CDs DVDs

Recycling Overview

Recycling is a task which needs to be done every week or so. The Earth Research Institute is a major research institution here on campus that needs a great deal of computer equipment to support its work. Most of this equipment is constantly in use, however some of the hardware will eventually either become obsolete or simply break down beyond repair. When this happens Aaron or Darla will inform you of what and where needs to be disposed of. As ERI is firmly committed to sustainability practices all equipment must be disposed of properly as to mitigate its environmental damage as greatly as possible. If the equipment is still functioning and worth saving, Aaron will sometimes direct this excess equipment to UCSBs general storage at Girvetz so it can be sold off in bulk. If this isn't the case, the equipment should be considered "techno trash" and be recycled accordingly. If you have any questions visit their website at http://www.as.ucsb.edu/asr/, or call the AS recycling program (805)-893-7765.

Procedures

1. Separate out the halogen bulbs and regular bulbs. Halogen bulbs get picked up by Hazardous Waste Disposal (see below) and the other bulbs get kept for EAB sponsored bulb exchanges(see below). NO BUBLBS MAY STAY IN TECHNO TRASH.
2. Make sure there is no trash or items which don't meet the box's "requirements."
3. Take all recyclable equipment to the techno trash bin labeled "electronics" located at the copy station next to conference room 6824
4. Any other recyclable items (i.e. cardboard, paper, packing peanuts, etc.) can be recycled in the appropriate bins located either at the copy station or in the kitchen in room 6804

Hazardous Waste Disposal Overview

Every now and then Aaron may ask you to dispose of certain items that are considered "hazardous wastes". Such items include fluorescent light bulbs, batteries (NOT talking about AA or C batteries), etc. UCSB has a department (Environmental Health and Safety - EHS) that will take care of the disposal for you. All you need to do is the following:

Procedures

NOTE: If you're unsure about any of the procedures, you can call EHS's on-campus Hazardous Waste Program (x7705) and talk to someone about a pickup or what should be done.

1. Verify that the items to be disposed of should go to EHS.
2. Go to www.ehs.ucsb.edu
3. Select the Chem Waste Pickup link
4. Select HAZARDOUS MATERIALS/WASTE PICKUP REQUEST(online)
5. Use yourself as the contact information, you do not need a recharge number, use "Doug Burbank" for PI Name, and use "Institute for Crustal Studies" for department. The UPS batteries are the most common H. waste we have, and can be entered as "Gell Cell, Lead-Acid Batteries" In the notes section be sure to add where the waste will be (right now my office is 1140K) and where in the room so they have easy access.
   The school now requires that the waste be labeled, and will show you and example label after you click the first submit. Print the label out for as many types of items you have and include it with the waste

Light Bulb Overview

The non-halogen light bulbs can be saved and exchanged for free new ones at periodic Environmental Affairs Board events. Check their website, http://www.as.ucsb.edu/eab/, monthly to make sure you don't miss them. Currently, the box for saving the bulbs is labeled and located in room 1140k, on the top of the back left shelves.

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created by Joe Mount 2005-10-05
updated by Nicholas Webster 2007-02-12