To prepare for the winter shutdown, the last days for EH&S waste pickups for 2024 will be the week of December 2th through December 6th.
Waste pick up will resume on January 2, 2025.
Note: To make the schedule, all waste forms must be submitted by 3 PM the day before the scheduled pick up.

 

US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) promulgated the final rule (40 CFR 273) for “Universal Waste” that established streamlined collection and management requirements for universal waste batteries, aerosol cans, pesticides, mercury-containing thermostats, mercury containing fluorescent lamps, and other mercury containing equipment such as thermometers, barometers, sphygmomanometers, and light switches. Accumulation rules are similar to those for chemical waste with the following exceptions:

  • The waste item or container is marked with the date of the earliest item added, along with the words ―Universal Waste and the waste type (e.g. ―Universal Waste Lamps).

To dispose of mercury thermometers, label as a Universal Waste Mercury Thermometer, place it in an appropriate container (box, ziplock bag, etc.), date, and submit as waste.

Training

Persons removing universal wastes (e.g., changing fluorescent lamps, or rechargeable or lead acid batteries) and those handling or managing the wastes are required to have annual training in managing these wastes. Universal Waste Training Module in Reporter.

Collection and Management

A list of collection points for Universal Waste Lamps and Aerosol Cans have been designated and are discussed below.  

Areas that generate or accumulate small amounts of Universal Waste at a time (i.e. labs, departmental offices, and Athletics) should submit their waste for pick up via EHSA.  Areas that generate Universal Waste Pesticides or batteries should contact EHS to determine the best management practice for those materials.  Note: Scheduled pick ups will be canceled in the event of a Holiday, closure, or severe weather.

Universal Waste Lamps

Pickup locations for Universal Waste Lamps are loading docks at the following buildings:

  • Watauga
  • Poe Hall
  • Daniels Hall
  • D. H. Hill Library
  • Polk Hall
  • Williams Hall
  • Phytotron 
  • Talley Student Center
  • Biltmore
  • Fountain Dining Hall
  • Central Receiving Warehouse
  • Textiles
  • EB III
  • USDA (Ligon Street)
  • College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Dearstyne Collection Center
  • Central Receiving Warehouse

 Universal Waste Aerosol Cans

Universal Waste Aerosol Cans collection bins (pictured below) are located near the dumpsters at the following buildings:

  • Watauga
  • Poe Hall
  • Daniels Hall
  • D. H. Hill Library
  • Polk Hall
  • Williams Hall
  • Phytotron 
  • Talley Student Center
  • Biltmore
  • Fountain Dining Hall
  • Central Receiving Warehouse
  • Textiles
  • USDA (Ligon Street)
  • College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Sullivan I, II, and III
  • Mail Services 
  • Golf Maintenance Shop
  • Dearstyne Collection Center

Contact env-health-haz-waste@ncsu.edu with any questions.

Helpful Links

Waste Reduction and Recycling  maintains a “what to do…” list that details how to recycle or properly dispose of many items at NC State.

NCSU Surplus Guidelines

Some equipment and material may not be appropriate for resale due to the presence of
hazardous materials, characteristics, or regulatory constraints. It is the responsibility
of the equipment owner to ensure that all oils, coolants, and other hazardous materials
have been removed prior to submitting the item for disposition through surplus.
Items that may be contaminated by chemical, biological, or radioactive material must
be cleaned and inspected prior to submission to surplus.