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College of Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Safety (CSTEM)

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CSTEM Waste Minimization

Waste Minimization

Waste minimization is a vital part of a waste management program.  In an effort to minimize wastes from being shipped off site for disposal or recycling, efforts should first be made to see if any unwanted chemical products within a department or group can be used by another.  To help facilitate this “chemical exchange” process, feel free to contact Dustin Robbins, Campus Environmental Safety Coordinator.

CSTEM Waste Minimization Plan

Efforts have been made within the College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics to actively practice waste minimization.  The School’s Waste Minimization Plan can be accessed by clicking the link below.

SNS&M Waste Minimization Plan

ACS’s Less Is Better

The American Chemical Society’s Task Force on Laboratory Environment, Health & Safety prepared a document titled Less is Better: Guide to Minimizing Waste in Laboratories (full document may be accessed below). This document highlights a number of waste minimization practices. On page three of the document, the Task Force discusses “The “Economy of Size” Myth” which highlights costs and risks associated with purchasing chemicals in bulk to “save money.”

ACS Less is Better: Waste Minimization

National Waste Minimization Program

The National Waste Minimization Program supports efforts that promote a more sustainable society, reduce the amounts of waste generated, and lower the toxicity and persistence of wastes that are generated. The Environmental Protection Agency has identified 31 “Priority Chemicals” for reduction.  The 31 Priority Chemicals and their respective Chemical Abstract Services Registry Number (CAS#) are as follows:

  1. 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene (PDF), CAS#120-82-1
  2. 1,2,4,5-Tetrachlorobenzene (PDF), CAS# 95-94-3
  3. 2,4,5-Trichlorophenol (PDF), CAS# 95-95-4
  4. 4-Bromophenyl phenyl ether (PDF), CAS# 101-55-3
  5. Acenaphthene (PDF), CAS# 83-32-9
  6. Acenaphthylene (PDF), CAS# 208-96-8
  7. Anthracene (PDF), CAS# 120-12-7
  8. Benzo(g,h,i)perylene (PDF), CAS# 191-24-2
  9. Cadmium (PDF) (2 pp, 11K)7440-43-9
  10. Dibenzofuran (PDF), CAS# 132-64-9
  11. Dioxins/Furans (PDF) (considered one chemical on this list), CAS# 1746-01-6
  12. Endosulfan, alpha (PDF) & Endosulfan, beta (PDF) (considered one chemical on this list), CAS# 959-98-8 / 33213-65-9
  13. Fluorene (PDF), CAS# 86-73-7
  14. Heptachlor (PDF) & Heptachlor epoxide (PDF) (considered one chemical on this list), CAS# 76-44-8 / 1024-57-3
  15. Hexachlorobenzene (PDF), CAS# 118-74-1
  16. Hexachlorobutadiene (PDF), CAS# 87-68-3
  17. Hexachlorocyclohexane, gamma- (PDF) (Lindane), CAS# 58-89-9
  18. Hexachloroethane (PDF), CAS# 67-72-1
  19. Lead, CAS# 7439-92-1
  20. Mercury, CAS# 7439-97-6
  21. Methoxychlor (PDF), CAS# 72-43-5
  22. Naphthalene (PDF), CAS# 91-20-3
  23. Pendimethalin (PDF), CAS# 40487-42-1
  24. Pentachlorobenzene (PDF), CAS# 608-93-5
  25. Pentachloronitrobenzene (PDF) (Quintozene), CAS# 82-68-8
  26. Pentachlorophenol (PDF), CAS# 87-86-5
  27. Phenanthrene (PDF), CAS# 85-01-8
  28. Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds (PACs) / PAH Group (PDF) (as defined in TRI)
  29. Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) (PDF), CAS# 1336-36-3
  30. Pyrene (PDF), CAS# 129-00-0
  31. Trifluralin (PDF), CAS# 1582-09-8

Visit the following link for more detailed information on the EPA’s Priority Chemicals:   Priority Chemicals