Environmental Health & Safety > Environmental Programs

EHS is responsible for ensuring that faculty, staff, and administration are competent and equipped to perform all necessary functions relating to environmental compliance.

EHS is responsible for ensuring training is available and consistent with the tasks we perform in the pursuit of learning. and the administration of its facilities. Environmental programs include the following:

Waste Management

A variety of unique wastes are generated in the course of administering college programs, particularly in the health sciences, visual arts, specialized shops and laboratories, maintenance and custodial departments. As the generator, you are responsible for understanding the regulations associated with its ultimate disposition.
Know what wastes your area generates. Hazardous waste management services and training may be requested by contacting us.

Chemical Waste

Ensure all of your waste containers are properly labeled before creating the waste (not after filling is complete), and keep track of date generated and quantities to ensure compliance.

Universal Waste

Universal waste are manufactured articles that are common among a wide sect of industry that have hazardous properties if managed poorly. The college can manage these wastes under an alternative set of rules because of the common nature of generation.

Western Nevada College will make universal waste determinations and dispose of the following as appropriate:

• • Batteries – especially rechargeable ones (Ni-Cad, Lithium-ion, Lead Acid) Rechargeable batteries should never be thrown in the general trash, as they contain either toxic metals (cadmium, lead) or properties that could start a fire. Instead, they should be accumulated in a small box or bin, preferably with terminals taped or protected from discharge potential.
  • Lamps/U-lamps Buildings and Grounds staff will replace any spent lightbulbs and take your spent lamps away for recycling. If you have a specialty lamp from an odd source, contact EHS for instructions.
  • CRT televisions and monitors: Those old heavy tube TV screens – up to 15 pounds of that weight is attributable to leaded components.
  • Anything with a plug: Not sure? Especially environmentally conscience? Turn it in to EHS for a waste determination. If we can recycle it affordably, we’ll try.

Biological Waste

A variety of biological agents are generated and used at the college, and a variety of wastes that can cause illness or disease in humans are generated as a result. The responsibility for biosafety is a team effort requiring the direct involvement of the Biosafety Committee, EHS Office, lab prep coordinators and staff, faculty members and laboratory workers, including student workers.

Sustainability

EHS promotes and supports sustainability and green campus initiatives through the Healthy Campus and Environment Committee.

Training

Training can be scheduled by contacting us.