Environmental Programs
The following programs are implemented by the Environmental Health & Safety Department to reduce the University's impact on the environment.
Household waste items containing hazardous materials are designated as Universal Waste. Items like electronics, batteries, and lightbulbs may not be discarded in trash or recycling bins. Universal Waste mistakenly placed in the municipal trash will be transferred to a landfill, where hazardous materials can leach into the ground and pollute nearby communities.
The EH&S Department is equipped to collect and properly recycle all Universal Waste generated on campus.
- Electronics: While the Electronics Recycling Center is closed, ITS and Facilities Management are collecting and recycling E-Waste for USD.
- For bulky or difficult to move items, please submit an Electronics Work Request
- For still functional waste and items requiring a hard-drive wipe, please contact ITS
- For all other items, please contact EH&S
- Toner: Used toner collection bins are staged throughout campus and transferred for recycling when full.
- Maher Annex: Mail Center
- Warren Hall: Room 208
- Mother Rosalie Hill Hall: Room 223A mailbox area
- Coronado Hall: First Floor Reception Desk
- Olin Hall: Room 235
- Sports Center: First Floor Stairwell
- Batteries: collection containers are located throughout campus.
- To request a collection container drop-off or pick-up, contact Sierra Landaiche at (619) 260-4600 x2595.
- Light Bulbs: Campus lights are maintained by Building Maintenance, but you may consult the list below for light bulb disposal options
- Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL's): Contain hazardous mercury gas.
- Call EH&S at (619) 260-4600 x2595 to recycle.
- LED lights: contain toxic metals.
- Call EH&S at (619) 260-4600 x2595 to recycle.
- Other light bulbs: Incandescent, Halogen
- Safe to throw in the trash.
- Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL's): Contain hazardous mercury gas.
The Hazardous Materials Business Plan and campus inventory are maintained by EHS and resubmitted to the County of San Diego annually. Hazardous Waste Training, including Emergency Preparedness and Response, is provided to employees who are responsible for storage, use, or disposal of hazardous waste generated by their department. It is conducted before initial work assignment and annually.
In the case of the release of significant quantities of Hazardous Materials, report immediately to:
- USD Public Safety: (619) 260-2222; and
- Environmental Health & Safety; (619) 260-2226
The purpose of the Stormwater BMP Plan is to protect the stormwater system from pollution originating on University grounds. Local ordinance permits only rain to enter the storm water system through storm drains. The Plan documents both the structural and source-control Best Management Practices to be implemented at University of San Diego. The material contained in the Stormwater BMP handbook is intended for use by the Departments of Building Maintenance, General Services, Grounds, and Auxiliary Services, as well as faculty, staff, students and outside contractors who conduct activities that can potentially pollute storm water discharging from the campus. The practices described in the handbook are applicable to:
- Outdoor work and storage area management
- Vehicle and equipment management
- Material and waste management
- Facilities and grounds management
The Office of Sustainability also manages many environmental programs reducing pollution, energy usage, and waste generated by University operations.