Pollution Prevention / Waste
Minimization
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston,
Medical School, is a major medical research and teaching institution
located in the Texas Medical Center, Houston, TX. The Medical
School maintains small quantity generator status and generates
approximately 800 lbs. of hazardous and non-hazardous waste
per month from 1200 laboratories. Wastes are generated primarily
from research experiments and film processing. Theses activities
generate waste solvents, acids and bases, and silver. The
wastes generated are collected from individual laboratories
on a routine basis, stored within container storage areas
located onsite, and finally collected by an outside contractor
for treatment and disposal.
Employing simple common sense practices in each laboratory
has minimized a significant amount of hazardous waste. These
waste minimization practices were initially implemented in
1996 through a newsletter titled “Hazardous Waste Minimization
Now!”. Our current method of conveying waste minimization
is through employee orientation training and an ongoing poster
campaign. Specific topics addressed include:
1. Planning experiments to limit waste
2. Reduction of waste through use of microscale protocols
3. Segregation of hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals
4. Prevention of orphaned chemicals through proper labeling
5. Limiting spills and leaks
6. Information about our free chemical reuse and alcohol thermometer
replacement programs
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
is a dynamic institution that has experienced significant
growth over the past thirty years, and will continue to grow
in the future. One of the lead indicators of production in
the research and educational setting is the amount of extramural
research money secured annually by the institution. In 1987
the UT-Medical School received almost 30 million dollars for
research activities and generated over 30 tons of hazardous
waste. In 2004, research funds received by the Medical School
increased to over 96 million dollars while the hazardous waste
generated decreased to 5.34 tons. Since 1987 the Medical School’s
production, or amount of research, has nearly tripled, while
the hazardous waste generated from these activities has been
reduced by 82%. While the hazardous waste reductions in the
past have been significant, continued growth of the institution
will require creativity and improved recycling technologies
to maintain, and potentially reduce waste volumes.
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