Waste Disposal

Waste is a very broad subject, especially at a busy location like Boise State University.  Anything that is discarded, including items being recycled and gaseous emissions from manufacturing and certain chemicals, is considered “waste.”  The most common waste generated on Boise State’s campus is solid waste, which also includes liquids, sludges, and “contained gaseous materials.”

Most of the solid waste generated at Boise State can be disposed of in the landfill without creating an environmental hazard.  If waste is free of any radiological, biological, or hazardous chemical contamination, it may be placed in a dumpster to enter the landfill trash stream, or sent for recycling.  This type of waste may be considered “general waste” and is handled by Facilities Operations and Maintenance.  Examples of general waste include boxes, office paper, uneaten food items, styrofoam containers and food wrappers.

Boise State classroom and research activities generate other types of waste, including biological, radiological and hazardous chemical waste.  These items may not go into a dumpster and must be handled in accordance with local, state and federal regulations.  These items fall under regulatory oversight and may cause the university and your department to be fined for violations if the regulations are not adhered to.