Hazardous Waste

Binghamton University is committed to disposing of waste materials in an appropriate manner.  We have programs in place to deal with the various waste streams on campus, all of which are designed to ensure that waste is disposed of according to applicable State and Federal regulations and in an environmentally-conscious manner.  The following information will give you links and directions to dispose of common wastes from around campus. If you are in need of additional information please contact EH&S at x7-2211.

Hazardous Waste

Chemical Waste

• The Binghamton University Hazardous Waste Program is in place to protect the interests of the University, its personnel, and the environment. All University employees and researchers are required to follow state and federal guidelines pertaining to Hazardous Waste.

You can be held personally liable for "willfully and knowingly" violating these regulations.

Binghamton University is classified as a Large Quantity Generator (LQG) of hazardous waste by the EPA and NYSDEC. As such, those working with hazardous waste at the University are required to handle, store, and dispose of the waste in accordance with government regulations.

To dispose of waste through the Hazardous Waste Program you must:

1. Fill out a waste tag and place it on the waste container
2. Store the container in a Satellite Accumulation Area
3. Request a waste pickup through the EHS website

Biological Waste

• Regulated Medical Waste is handled by the Biological Safety group within EH&S. Follow this link for more information on this program including how to request a waste pickup for biohazardous waste. 

All Drains Lead to the Susquehanna River

• The Binghamton-Johnson City Joint Sewage Treatment Board regulates discharges into the wastewater system. Appendix F in the Hazardous Waste Management Guide provides an excerpt of regulations which govern acceptable discharge. No Hazardous Wastes are to be dumped down any drain at Binghamton University. All Hazardous Waste shall be disposed of through the Hazardous Waste Program.
• Waste minimization is mandatory for all laboratories that generate hazardous chemical wastes. The American Chemical Society (ACS) offers a management guide to minimizing waste in laboratories: Less Is Better

Universal and Household Hazardous Waste

Batteries and Printer Ink

• Batteries, printer ink, toner, cartridges, and normal recycling (paper, plastic, metal) are all handled by Facilities Management through the Recycling and Batteries disposal program. You can drop materials off at any of their drop-off locations or by calling the customer service line at x7-2226.

Fluorescent Light Bulbs

• Fluorescent light bulbs may contain trace amounts of mercury vapor and thus can not be disposed of through normal trash. Custodial Staff and Electricians handle most of the light bulbs, but if you find one broken or must replace yourself you can follow our Mercury Containing Lamp Handling, Storage, and Disposal Procedures

Electronics Waste

• Keyboards, computers, printers, copiers, and many other electronics must be recycled through the ITS e-Waste Recycling Program.

Refrigerators and Freezers

• Freon is a known environmental contaminant and therefore must be disposed of properly. You must not dispose of any refrigerator or freezer unless the freon has been removed by Facilities Management HVAC department. If you must dispose of a refrigerator, fill out a work order through Maximo and facilities will remove the freon before the expediters take it to the dumpster.

Questions and Guidance

Any questions about the Hazardous Waste Management Program, or how to dispose of Hazardous Waste can be directed to the Office of Environmental Health and Safety at x7-2211 or by email at hazwaste@binghamton.edu.