Hazardous Materials

Hazardous Materials Group

The Hazardous Materials team works with labs and departments across the university to provide guidance on hazardous material storage, disposal, and transportation.

Hazardous Materials and Universal Waste

The UO Hazardous Materials Guide outlines procedures established for the safe and proper management of hazardous materials at the UO. In addition, the the universal waste page provides instructions for handling materials which may not be considered hazardous, but have special processing or waste management requirements. Universal waste includes aerosol cans, batteries, light bulbs, mercury-containing devices, and pesticides. 

Review the Hazardous Materials Guide

Learn About Universal Waste

UO campus partners generate a wide range of hazardous wastes and materials requiring specific storage, documentation, monitoring, and transportation protocols. Safety Data Sheets explain the hazards of chemicals or chemical formulations used in a workplace. Labs have safety data sheets on-site, specific to the materials present. 

Here we provide an overview of need to knows and examples separated into campus areas. 

Research and Labs
Common Causes: Research, lab close out 

Types of Materials

Facilities and Construction
Common Causes: Maintenance, renovation, and building activities

Types of Materials

  • Contaminated Debris - Construction debris with hazardous substances (e.g. lead, chemicals). Requires testing and specific disposal.
  • Lead Based Paint Waste - Debris and materials contaminated with lead-based paint from renovation or demolition activities. Requires testing and specific disposal plans.
  • Paints, Coatings, Adhesives - Leftover or expired paints, solvents, thinners, epoxies, and glues.
  • PCBs - Found in old fluorescent light ballasts, transformers, and building materials. Requires specialized disposal.
  • Used Oil - From equipment maintenance.
  • Universal Waste - Batteries, Light Bulbs/Tubes, Aerosol Cans, Mercury-Containing Devices (e.g. thermostats, switches). 
Housing
Common Causes: Maintenance and student residences

Types of Materials 

  • Cleaning Chemicals - Concentrated or expired cleaning agents that are corrosive, flammable, or toxic.
  • Paints, Stains, Epoxy, Glues, Sealers - Leftover or expired containers from maintenance or student projects.
  • Used Oil - From maintenance equipment.
  • Universal Waste - Batteries, Light Bulbs/Tubes, Aerosol Cans.
Athletics
Common Causes: equipment maintenance, training room supplies, and facility operations

Types of Materials

  • Cleaning Chemicals - Concentrated cleaning agents, disinfectants, and sanitizers used in locker rooms and training facilities.
  • Paints, Solvents, Adhesives - From equipment repair, facility maintenance, and field marking.
  • Used Oil - From vehicle or equipment maintenance.
  • Universal Waste - Batteries, Light Bulbs/Tubes, Aerosol Cans. 

Waste Pick-Up

Research facilities and labs can schedule a hazardous waste pickup through the EHS Assistant. Additional steps are needed for a Radioactive waste pickup. 

For all other hazardous and universal waste pickups, contact the Hazardous Materials team.

Hazardous and Regulated Material Transportation 

Commercial shipments of hazardous materials are highly regulated by the Department of Transportation and International Air Transport Association. The Lab Safety Manual outlines hazardous materials shipping for labs. Faculty, staff, and students transporting, shipping, or receiving  regulated materials for university-related business must contact Environmental Health and Safety for assistance and required Department of Transportation training.

Learn About Transporting Hazardous Materials

Meet The Team

Ben Bythell

Hazardous Materials Manager
Chemical Safety Officer
he/him/his

Jenny Kane

Hazardous Waste Specialist
she/her/hers

Contact Hazardous Materials Staff