Question of the Week

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/keyboard.jpg” caption=”Electronic waste such as old computer equipment is collected on Tuesdays. File photo.”]This week's question was submitted by Imre Polik, who wanted to know if McMaster has an electronic waste disposal program.

Materials Handling and Trucking collects electronic waste on campus. The waste is collected in specific bins to prevent it from getting mixed up with other waste.

To arrange a pick-up, place a work order through Physical Plant or contact Materials Handling and Trucking. The cost depends on the time required to collect the electronics.

The hazardous waste program collects batteries and other hazardous chemical waste on campus. To arrange a pick-up at your location, label the waste with yellow waste labels, complete the Hazardous Chemical Waste Disposal Form and fax it to Environmental and Occupational Health Support Services (EOHSS) by Friday to have a pick- up on Tuesday. Waste is collected every Tuesday.

Both the labels and Hazardous Chemical Waste Disposal Forms are available at EOHSS, Wentworth House, Room 115 or by calling ext. 24967 for further assistance. The cost charged to the client is based on the volume and type of battery being disposed of.

If the waste can't be recycled or reused, it is destroyed or contained to ensure that it will not harm the environment. This process is in compliance with guidelines set by the Ministry of the Environment.

Since electronic waste often contains toxic substances such as lead and mercury, it should not be thrown out with other types of garbage because these substances “can leak into the environment,” says Rose Nielson, safety specialist, waste management officer at EOHSS.

According to a Waste Diversion Ontario study, less than two per cent of the 1.5 million computers and other computer equipment discarded in 2004 were diverted from landfills.

For those interested in disposing household electronic waste, the Ministry of the Environment announced a new program to divert electronic waste from landfills earlier this week.

The first phase of the new program will start in February 2008 and will collect desktop and notebook computers, monitors, desktop printers and televisions. The second phase will address telephones, audio players and recorders, radios, speakers and cameras.

For more information about electronic and waste collection on campus, please contact Nielson at nielson@mcmaster.ca or ext. 24967.

To submit your Question of the Week, please e-mail daily@mcmaster.ca.