/ IN THIS BLOG
Universities typically produce a lot of waste, often consisting of a variety of types, some of which can be complicated to dispose of, such as universal or biohazardous waste. In these cases, it’s useful to partner with a trustworthy full-service waste management company to make sure that your university complies with all waste disposal regulations.
A full-service waste management company, with the ability to guide university staff through the myriad of disposal options and requirements works best. This consultative approach removes much of the stress and confusion of waste disposal, allowing university professionals to focus on their own agendas, rather than learning the ins and outs of waste regulations and requirements.
01 / What are the differences between manifests and bills of lading?
Universities, with their numerous areas of research and study can create a wide array of waste types. With such varied waste needs, it’s important to find an experienced waste management vendor who understands the intricacies of each waste stream.
Biohazardous Waste
RCRA Hazardous Waste
Pesticides
Solvents
Herbicides
Because this waste is covered by the RCRA, it must be identified, packaged, shipped, and disposed of in accordance with RCRA regulations. It is often best to work with a full-service waste management company when disposing of this type of waste to ensure compliance. This will help your university avoid fines and penalties while also protecting the environment.
Universal Waste
Another type of waste universities frequently deal with is universal waste, which consists of:
Batteries
Computers
Lamps
Televisions
This type of waste does not contribute to your generator status, but it does require special disposal. An experienced waste management company will be familiar with all the different types of waste included in this category and how to dispose of it properly.
02 / Advantages of Working with a Full-Service Waste Management Company
You may realize your university needs to partner with a waste management company. But, it is also important to recognize the benefits of working with a full-service waste management company. Here are a few of the major benefits of working with a full-service waste management company.
Help in Complying With Disposal Regulations
It can be difficult to keep up with all of the laws covering the disposal of the different types of waste your university may generate. University waste consists of many types of waste, such as biohazardous waste, universal waste, and RCRA hazardous waste. Because of this, there are often many different regulations to follow, which can be confusing. There will most likely be federal, state, and local laws that you have to comply with, that carry major consequences if not followed. Failure to comply with these regulations may lead to serious fines and penalties along with damage to an institution's reputation.
A reputable full-service waste management company will be familiar with all of the relevant regulations. It’s critically important to be selective when choosing a waste management vendor since, as the generator of the waste, you are responsible for it, from cradle to grave. This is true even after you hire a waste management company, which makes the stakes even higher to choose the most reputable company.
Industry Specific Knowledge
A full-service waste management company has likely worked with a large variety of companies and organizations. Therefore, it is more likely that they have worked with a university before. This would give them industry-specific knowledge that would be useful in dealing with any problems you may have.
Complete Service
It is easier and more efficient to work with a full-service company instead of having several different companies provide your waste management services. This is particularly true when disposing of lab pack waste. There is less chance of a mistake being made in the disposal process if only one company is used. This company would then identify the waste, package it, and label it so it will be ready for shipping.
Manufacturers of hazardous materials often understand the benefits of having one company handle the entire waste disposal process, but universities are not always familiar with the advantages of working with a full-service waste management company. However, due to the wide variety of waste a university generates and the risk of errors in handling this waste, it is important to work with a reputable full-service waste management company.
03 / Trust the Waste Management Experts with Experience in University Waste
If your university or academic facilities want a better way to handle the various waste streams it produces, consider turning to a full service waste management service that closes the gaps and ensures full compliance. Whether it’s help to identify, label, package, transport or dispose of waste, MCF Environmental Services provides an end-to-end solution to your waste management needs.
As a highly-experienced Georgia waste management company with clients in the academic sector, we understand your needs and go out of our way to provide safety, security and service, so you can put worrying about the many aspects of waste behind you and focus on the mission of your organization. Contact us to begin the process. Our team will work with you to craft a tailor-made waste solution that’s right for your facilities.
Robert Losurdo
President, COO
