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Environmental

The Office of Environmental Health & Safety is committed to the protection of our natural environment through proper management and ocntrol of the resources used by the university for academic, research, and support operations.

Through responsible management of these resources from cradle to grave, we strive to make as little impact as possible on our environment and promote the concept of environmental stewardship within the campus and our surrounding community. 

Light Bulbs and Batteries

Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Call Facilities and Campus Services at 336.758.4255 to have fluorescent bulbs replaced.  F&CS will replace the bad bulb and make sure it is recycled properly.

 If a fluorescent bulb breaks, DO NOT attempt to clean it up.  Call Facilities and Campus Services at 336.758.4255  to clean up the broken bulb.  Fluorescent bulbs contain small amounts of mercury, which is potentially toxic to humans if inhaled or ingested.

 Mercury-Containing Light Bulb (Lamp) Recycling

Mercury is an essential component of many energy-efficient light bulbs. The two most common types of energy-efficient lighting that contain mercury are:

  • fluorescent bulbs, including compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and
  • high intensity discharge (HID) bulbs.

 Examples of common waste electric lamps include, but are not limited to:

  • fluorescent
  • high intensity discharge
  • neon
  • mercury vapor
  • high pressure sodium
  • metal halide lamps
  • specialty lamps that are used for streetlights, floodlights, parking lots industrial lighting and some automobile headlights

 Under federal regulations Wake Forest University is required to manage mercury-containing light bulbs as a hazardous waste after they burn out.   DO NOT throw burned out fluorescent bulbs in the trash!

 Standard incandescent bulbs are non-hazardous and can be placed in either regular trash, or a broken glass container.

  

Batteries

Many batteries are potentially hazardous if thrown in the trash.  Wake Forest University recycles the following types of batteries to comply with federal and state regulations and to keep our environment clean: 

  • Lead Acid
  • NiCad (Nickel-Cadmium)
  • Lithium batteries
  • Mercury containing batteries

 These can be found in a variety of places, including:

  • Vehicles
  • Alarms
  • Exit Signs
  • Electronic devices – Cell phone, PDA, Radios, Computers

 Many offices have battery recycle containers.  If yours does not, just call Facilities and Campus Services to have your battery picked up and recycled.

 Non-rechargeable, standard alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D) are not hazardous, and can be placed in regular trash.

Hazardous Waste Disposal

Hazardous waste poses a significant or potential threat to public health or the environment and is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Office of Environmental Health and Safety provides training for Wake Forest University employees who manage hazardous waste.

  • Many chemicals are considered hazardous waste when they are disposed.
  • Hazardous waste must be managed and disposed of in accordance with EPA regulations.
  • DO NOT pour chemical waste down sinks or in storm drains.
  • Each laboratory and art studio where hazardous waste is generated has collection containers for waste.  Do not put incompatible material in the same container, and always make sure the container is closed if not in use.
  • In the event of a chemical or oil spill or release, call the Office of Environmental Health and Safety 336.758.3089 and Campus Police 336.758.5911

For Chemical spills, refer to the  Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan.

For Oil or Gasoline spills, refer to the Spill Prevention, Countermeasure and Control Plan.

Reynolda Campus

UCC

For more information on the safe handling and disposal of chemical waste, contact the Office of Environmental Health & Safety at 336.758.3089 or wfuehs@wfu.edu

Stormwater

Storm drains on the property of Wake Forest University are identified with a marker.

Storm drains are pipes that remove rain water from our streets and then flow directly to the closest creek or stream.

  • Only rain water should enter storm drains.
  • Oil or chemicals disposed of into a storm drain or drainage ditch will flow, untreated, into the closest stream or creek.
  • One quart of motor oil can contaminate 250,000 gallons of water. One quart of motor oil creates an oil slick the size of eight football fields.
  • Oil and water do not mix.

 Only rain belongs in the storm drain.  Call the EHS Office at x3089 to report polluters.

  “All the water that will ever be, is right now.”

                                                - National Geographic, October 1993

 

For more information  http://www.co.forsyth.nc.us/EnvAffairs/water_quality.aspx