Beginning this month, Drake Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) will begin organizing a one-time pick-up of unwanted materials which may be regulated when disposed of by the EPA across campus. During this event, the University will be taking advantage of an exemption from the EPA that will allow us to exceed our normal monthly waste totals without being subjected to increased regulations. This event has a strict timeline so it is important that departments that wish to take advantage of this opportunity begin to identify and segregate potential waste as soon as possible. All waste will need to be collected, prepared for off-site shipment, and shipped no later than Dec. 22. A collection with a hazardous waste vendor has already been scheduled but there is still a lot of work to be done. It is important to note that normal waste collections will continue during this period so those departments that generate regulated (hazardous) waste can continue to collect that waste and request pick-ups as normal. Other waste, such as e-waste, batteries, broken glass, sharps, etc., will also continue to be picked-up as normal. The following guidelines should be followed for those wishing to take part in this event:
Begin identifying and segregating unwanted items as soon as possible. Unwanted items which may be regulated when disposed of may include, but is not limited to:
- Unused chemicals
- Unused solvents
- Cleaning products
- Paints (including spray paint)
If you have any questions about what materials would apply contact Drake EHS. Please refrain from bringing items from home as this is for University materials only. If you have questions about how to dispose of household waste Drake EHS can provide resources and information on how to do so.
Items may be set to the side and labeled as “potentially unwanted materials”, do not label as waste. Those departments that utilize Satellite Accumulation Areas for waste should keep potentially unwanted materials separated from their normal waste, as it will be counted separately. These departments should avoid using the same labels as they use for normal waste.
If possible, create an inventory of the items you wish to dispose of as this will make collection easier and quicker. You may send inventories to EHS at any time.
When all potentially unwanted materials have been identified, request a pick-up from EHS. Pick-ups can be requested by visiting the EHS website: drake.edu/ehs and filling out a “Request a Pick-up Form” or by emailing josh.haines@drake.edu.
Collection of unwanted materials will not begin until Nov. 22. EPA regulations prohibit collection prior to this date. We realize that this coincides with the start of Thanksgiving break and that this is a busy time for many members of the Drake community, which is why it is important to begin the process of identifying potentially unwanted materials as soon as possible. Again, normal waste collection will continue during this period. Once collection begins, the University will have 30 days to collect materials, prepare them for shipment, and have the waste shipped off site. This can be a time consuming process, and we are anticipating a large amount of materials.
Drake EHS contact information:
- Chris Nickell, director: 515-271-3804, chris.nickell@drake.edu
- Josh Haines, environmental specialist: 515-271-3159, josh.haines@drake.edu
—Chris Nickell, Environmental Health and Safety