EHS Pollution Prevention Programs

E-Waste

Electronic devices such as computers, cell phones, fax machines, wireless devices, and other electronics contain heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. These items should be handled in an environmentally responsible manner. Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is now offering an electronic device recycle program. The following is important for how UTMB manages e-waste:

• Any item with a UTMB identification tag must be returned to Inventory through Material Management Warehouse – Useable computers are donated to other state entities
• Broken computers and other electrical equipment are collected by Materials Management Warehouse staff for recycling
• Atos Origin provides computer hardware and service to UTMB – computers through this service are returned to Atos Origin
• If your department generates e-waste and is not managed in the above processes, please collect for recycle through EHS
• Schedule e-waste pick up on-line at: http://www.utmb.edu/ehs/epm/epm.html; click on the Chemical Waste Pick-up Request form

Used Batteries

If you generate used batteries please collect for appropriate handling through Environmental Health and Safety. The battery casing will specify category. It is important to separate batteries by the categories below:

• Nickel Cadmium (rechargeable power tool, radio, camera)
• Lithium (Battery terminals must be taped, capped or covered to prevent short circuiting) (cell phone, watch battery, medical monitoring equipment)
• Lead Acid (Battery terminals must be taped, capped, or covered to prevent short circuiting) (vehicle, computer)
• Alkaline (pager, flashlight)

For the batteries collected in your area label the collection box by specific category, for example "Universal Waste - Lithium Battery Disposal ONLY". Improper mixing of batteries could cause release of toxic materials or fire. Schedule battery pick up on-line at: www.utmb.edu/ehs/epm/epm.html. For more information on how UTMB manages e-waste please see EHS Pollution Prevention Programs at: http://www.utmb.edu/conservation/Articles/PreventionPrograms.asp

Mercury Replacement	ChemSwap

• Contact EHS for mercury thermometer replacement
• Be responsible when you purchase new equipment, buy Mercury-Free
• Need chemicals? Check out EHS Chemical Redistribution Program http://www.utmb.edu/ehs/EPM/Chemswap.htm

Date Posted: 05/18/2005