Waste Management

The activities and operations at the SUNY Geneseo campus generate more than 30 separate waste streams or specific classifications of waste. These range from cafeteria food wastes and recycled paper to unusable compressed gas cylinders and hazardous wastes.

Waste Management is actually a misnomer. It would more accurately be identified as Product Life Cycle Management, as it is a process that begins with the purchase of a product. Products should only be purchased in amounts that are predicted to be used in a finite period of time. In many instances, disposing of unused product can be as expensive or more expensive than the purchase price, so buying "in volume" can actually be the most expensive purchasing method.

Products should also be used and stored to prevent generating wastes. Mix or prepare only what is necessary for the intended activity. Use caution to prevent spills. Choose storage areas that meet the product specifications. Latex paint, for instance, cannot be frozen. Storage of latex paint must occur in an area that does not freeze.

The campus personnel who are conducting the activities and operations that generate the various waste streams are responsible for ensuring the wastes are managed in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations. As many wastes must remain in regulated storage until waste vendor pickup can be arranged, it is best to understand the requirements applicable to the wastes PRIOR to generating the wastes. A summary of waste storage requirements, including the responsibilities for inspections, has been prepared. A flowchart has been developed to assist in the determination of waste classification.

EHS picks-up full containers of hazardous waste the first and third Wednesdays of each month.  For more information on waste storage, waste minimization and radioative waste, click here.

A spreadsheet identifying various campus waste streams and their regulatory classification have been prepared for the following campus areas to assist campus personnel classify wastes generated by their activities.

Additional information on regulated wastes generated by campus activities: