Universities can produce a great deal of waste, and that often includes different kinds of waste materials. Whether your university produces biohazardous waste, universal waste, or more, you can benefit from working with a waste management company to ensure everything generated is properly disposed of. Because of the diversity and amount of waste produced, it would be particularly helpful for universities to work with full-service waste management companies.

Important Reasons Why Universities Need Waste Management Companies 

Types of Waste Universities Typically Produce

Every university is different, but any combination of the following waste materials could be produced in a university setting:

  • Universities Biohazard Waste

Biohazardous waste is predominantly created by university labs and clinics. As the labs get larger and more involved, the amount of waste increases as well. At that point, it becomes smart to work with a company that can handle not only the type of waste you're generating but also the volume.

  • Universities RCRA Hazardous Waste

The maintenance aspect of a university can generate a surprising amount of hazardous materials. This can encompass everything from expired paints and solvents to chemicals, pesticides, and herbicides used for grass and grounds maintenance.

All these items can fall under the umbrella of RCRA hazardous waste, and they need to be properly identified, packaged, transported, and disposed of—a multistep process a full-service company can handle. Unless you're absolutely certain of how to dispose of hazardous waste, work with a professional to avoid fines and other legal penalties.

  • Universal Waste and Colleges

Universal waste is essentially waste that is considered so common it doesn't legally contribute to your waste generator status. Universities generate a great deal of this universal waste through lamps, batteries, old electronic equipment, and more. A company that provides waste management services will know how to handle this particular category of waste as well as how to dispose of waste that's deemed universal.

Benefits of a University Working with a Full-Service Company

Even if a university realizes it needs a company to manage its waste output, there are still distinct benefits to working with a full-service operation.

  • Industry Knowledge

A full-service waste company is simply more likely to have encountered a variety of waste situations—including working specifically with universities. This industry-specific knowledge means you can benefit from the company's experience.

  • Familiarity with the Law

There are many stringent laws related to how to properly dispose of waste, and working with a full-service company means your provider is more likely to know and comply with those regulations. Because the generator is legally and financially responsible for any misconduct with its waste, it's especially imperative that universities choose reputable, experienced full-service waste management companies.

  • Turnkey Operations

Rather than having to find and work with a multitude of companies, it's much more efficient to find one company that can provide a reputable turnkey operation. Especially with something such as a university lab pack, you want the same organization to handle every step from providing the chemist to identify your hazardous materials to safely preparing and properly labeling those chemicals for transport.

Unlike manufacturing plants that produce solvents, paints, or hazardous material, a university might not realize how beneficial a full-service waste management company can be to its institution. However, given the diversity of waste generated and the potential consequences of that waste not being properly handled, it's a vital step to take.

If your university is looking for help managing its waste identification, transport, packaging, and disposal, please feel free to contact a representative of MCF Environmental Services, a Georgia waste management company for universities.

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