FAQs

How should I dispose of old batteries?
Batteries, including alkaline, standard, lead-acid (such as those used on vehicles), lithium (Li), cadmium (Cd), button cell or others are recycled by the Recycling Department. Small quantites of batteries may be placed in one of the battery collection containers which have been distributed across the campus; for larger batteries or quantites please contact the Recycling Department to schedule a pickup.  To find your nearest battery collection container, please review the Collection Container list.  When collection containers are full, please contact the Recycling Department for pickup.

How should I dispose of old chemicals or paints? 
All waste chemicals and hazardous paints are disposed by an outside licensed contractor that arranges proper disposal in accordance with State and Federal regulations.  Call Environmental Safety x6-6485 to discuss and arrange for pickup.

Are there any special requirements for using chemicals on the campus? 
The short answer is yes. If you use chemicals as a part of your employment, you must be trained on Hazard Communication (Haz-Com).  This training is a mandatory introduction to the university’s hazard communication program, labeling requirements, personal protection equipment, material safety data sheets and more. The training is often referred to as “right-to-know” training; contact the Environmental Health & Safety office x6-6485 to discuss whether this is appropriate for your activities.  In addition, all chemical storage containers need to be properly stored, labeled and managed.  

Labeling information may be found within the laboratory safety section of this website.  Also, chemicals must be stored with compatible materials and properly disposed when considered “waste”.  Some chemicals present exposure hazards and require the use of ventilation, hoods or special protective equipment to adequately reduce the hazard. Environmental Safety offers training, disposal, and consultation services to the areas of the university that use chemicals.

Does the university still have any asbestos containing materials on the campus?
Yes, but not in many areas.  Some of these materials include floor tiles with mastic and older (pre-1980) fire-rated doors.  It is important to understand that these tiles and fire doors do not represent a health concern as long as they are in good condition.  Asbestos exposure may only occur if these materials become damaged such that dust is released.  Some contributing factors for dust release include drilling, sanding, grinding or crushing by mechanical processes. Some of the buildings which include asbeosts containing floor tiles and fire doors: Caruthers hall, Chester Hall, and Choptank Hall. Please report any floor tiles in these buildings that appear damaged (or that have a high potential for damage) to Physical Plant at x5-3020. All asbestos containing materials are managed in accordance with state and federal regulations.