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Division of Research

Office of Environmental Health and Safety

Recycling Electronic-Waste Services at Wayne State University

Introduction:  

Wayne State University (WSU) must remove all electronic waste on campus as universal waste.  All WSU-owned electronic waste must be returned to WSU for proper handling and processing prior to recycling. Electronic waste may contain WSU proprietary data, and may contain materials that are regulated under environmental, health and safety laws; therefore, WSU electronic waste may NEVER be disposed of in the trash or outside of WSUs process. For data bearing electronics, we recommend you do a secure wipe on devices before recycling and remove micro-SD, SIM or memory cards.

What is Electronic Waste?

Electronic waste (E-waste) is defined by the EPA as "electrical and electronic equipment that is dependent on electric currents or electromagnetic fields in order to function (including all components, subassemblies, and consumables from the original equipment at the time of discarding)."  Examples include computers, monitors, telephones, lab or research equipment, refrigerators, or other business equipment.  Think of this as anything with a cord or battery!

Decontamination of E-Waste: 

Most lab equipment requires decontamination before removal from the laboratory and recycling.  Please follow the steps below before having material moved to the Property Warehouse (1200 Holden).  For laboratory equipment contaminated with or containing highly hazardous materials such as mercury, asbestos, radioactive materials, toxic heavy metals etc. contact OEHS at (313) 577-1200 for specific disposal requirements.

  1. Review and follow the WSU-OEHS Biological and Chemical Decontamination of Laboratory Equipment procedure.
  2. Complete and attach the "Laboratory Equipment Decontamination Form" onto the equipment to verify it has been decontaminated.

Removal of E-waste:

Complete the E-Waste Removal Request Form.

    1. Once complete, email or fax form to the Property Management Office, attention: Bobby Smith at ae5056@wayne.edu or (313) 577-2535 (fax).
    2. After Property Management approves the E-Waste Removal Request, it will be forwarded to OEHS who will coordinate E-waste removal with the responsible party

A.  Smaller equipment (Examples: computers, printers, telephones)

  1. Smaller size/weight equipment, less than 10 items, that will fit onto a handcart can be moved by OEHS, on a case-by-case basis.   Please contact OEHS at (313)577-1200 after you have completed the E-Waste Removal Request Form
  2. Larger quantities of smaller size/weight equipment can be collected in your building.  OEHS will provide a 4-foot by 4-foot gaylord box for you to fill with small electronic equipment.  A list of items will need to be generated and submitted to the property management office prior to removal by using the E-Waste Removal Request Form  Once the gaylord is filled, and you receive approval from the Property Office, OEHS will make arrangements to have the gaylord moved to the Property Warehouse (1200 Holden).
  3. If equipment is too large or heavy, there are too many items, or it is too awkward to move, OEHS will not move the equipment. The equipment will have to be removed by following the process outlined in section B below.
  4. Contact the OEHS Hazardous Waste group for questions (313-577-1200).

B.  Larger equipment, heavy equipment, or moderate size/weight equipment not on wheels.  (Examples: Subzero freezers, refrigerators, scintillation counters) requires hiring a mover through WayneBuy.

  1. Review and follow the WSU-OEHS Biological and Chemical Decontamination of Laboratory Equipment procedure.
  2. If required, complete and attach the "Laboratory Equipment Decontamination Form" onto the equipment to verify it has been decontaminated.
  3. Complete the Declaration of Surplus Equipment Form.
    1. Once complete email or fax form to the Property Management Office, attention: Bobby Smith at ae5056@wayne.edu or (313) 577-2535 (FAX).
    2. Property Management will review your Declaration of Surplus request. The approved request will be returned.
  4. Once the Declaration of Surplus Equipment Form has been approved, a WSU approved mover will need to be hired to move the equipment to the Property Management Surplus Warehouse located at 1200 Holden. Request a quote from either Palmer Moving Services or Premier Relocations. Additional information of moving equipment across campus can be found at Campus Relocations.
  5. Use WayneBuy-Transportation and Relocation forms – Departmental Use – Relocations. (WayneBuy is found in Academica, under Employee Resources - Administrative Systems.)
    1. Attach a copy of the quote from the moving company as an External Attachment.
    2. Attach the approved declaration of surplus form with your request as an Internal Attachment.
  6. If you have any questions about the process in WayneBuy contact Valerie Kreher at ab4889@wayne.edu or (313) 577 3720.

More information can be found at the Property Management website and within the Equipment Management Policies and Procedures manual.