Waste Disposal Guidelines

 

These guidelines are for items other than regular garbage disposal. If you have broken items, please make sure all hazards are removed for proper disposal. Do not place items in loading dock areas or other locations. This creates a housekeeping violation for the university. 

If you have any questions about proper waste disposal, contact the Occupational and Environmental Health Specialist at (906) 227-2152 or email safety@nmu.edu

The Mail and Warehouse Department can assist with some of your recycling needs. Please utilize the work request system for these needs. 

For all other disposal needs please utilize the Hazardous Waste Disposal Form. 

Types of Waste

  • Electronic Waste (E-Waste)(computers, lab equipment, TVs, kitchen equipment, phones, etc..) – A work order must be placed through the Mail & Warehouse Services Department, procedure above.  
  • Ink and Toner Cartridge Recycling – If the new ink or toner cartridge does not come in a pre-paid return box, these are recycled through the Mail & Warehouse Services Department.  For a small quantity, put them in a small bag or container and put it in the outgoing department mail.  Label it "Used cartridge, please recycle." If you have a large quantity, a work order must be placed through Central Receiving, procedure above.  You may also bring your used cartridges to the warehouse during normal work hours.
  • Battery Recycling - Battery collections tubes are located throughout campus.  If you have a large amount of batteries that need to be disposed of, a work order must be placed through the Mail & Warehouse Services Department, procedure above. 
  • Light Bulbs – If you have a broken fluorescent light bulb or other bulbs, please contact your building attendant for proper disposal.  
  • Hazardous Chemical Waste – Contact the Occupational and Environmental Health Specialist for proper disposal.  
  • Biological Waste – Any waste that may be capable of producing an infectious disease must be picked up by the Occupational and Environmental Health Specialist or a representative of the Police Department for proper disposal.  
  • Sharps – Sharps containers are located in all state, auxiliary and recreation service buildings on campus. Contact the Occupational and Environmental Health Specialist for proper disposal.   
  • Paint Waste
    • Latex paint
      • Small Quantity – Take off the lid and let the water evaporate.  Dispose of the remaining solid in the garbage.
      • Large Quantity – Stir in an equal amount of cat litter, stir until it thickens, let sit for one hour, throw the solid into the garbage without the lid.
    • Oil-based paint
      • Contact the Occupational and Environmental Health Specialist to have this picked up and disposed of by a licensed disposal company.