FLC Universal Waste Management Plan

This plan aims to inform interested persons that Fort Lewis College is complying with Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPH&E) requirements for handling universal wastes (UW).

This plan applies to all departments and laboratories where materials identified as universal wastes are used.  Universal wastes in Colorado include the following materials:

  • Batteries, including nickel-cadmium, lithium, button, and some alkaline
  • Pesticides
  • Mercury-containing devices
  • Mercury-containing lighting wastes
  • Electronic devices and components
  • Aerosol cans containing hazardous materials

Fort Lewis College is a Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) based on the definitions of the CDPH&E.  Fort Lewis College will follow the UW Small Quantity Handler (SQH) guidelines relative to training, record keeping, storage, and shipping to protect the campus community and environment surrounding the campus.

The universal waste plan is intended to minimize the hazards to human health or the environment from improper handling or disposal of these wastes in landfills. Written procedures for handling universal wastes set standard practices for daily, weekly, monthly, and even annual clean-up.

The Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) Department is responsible for developing and maintaining this program and any records generated while managing this program to ensure compliance with the CDPH&E rules and regulations.  A copy of the plan may be reviewed by employees online. Fort Lewis College encourages suggestions from our faculty, staff, and students for improving the program. Goals for this plan include a better understanding of the laws, safe behavior from associates involved in handling universal wastes, and active involvement in the plan from every campus level.

Sources of waste
Battery management
Pesticide management
Mercury containing equipment
Mercury-containing lightning waste
Electronic devices and components
Aerosol Cans that contain hazardous materials
Accumulation of universal wastes
Labeling
Notification
Training
Spills
Shipping universal wastes
Maintaining the Plan

Updated December 2022