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Pollution Prevention Initiatives
Maintenance Activities
The maintenance of facilities at Penn State University involves numerous activities that contain or utilize hazardous materials. These activities include fluorescent lamps that may contain mercury and light ballasts/capacitors that may contain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Additionally, latex (water-based paint) is used in many applications. Although latex paint is less toxic than oil-based paint, the ingredients are hazardous and must be managed properly.
This section describes efforts underway to handle these potential hazards in a manner that reduces the impacts on human health and the environment. A number of coordinated initiatives throughout Penn State through maintenance and grounds management have resulted in the implementation of may enhancements to the overall environmental footprint of the University
Fluorescent Light Tube Recycling
See Mercury Reduction
Fluorescent Light Ballast/Capacitors
Historically, Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB's) have commonly been used as fluids in electrical light ballasts/capacitors. Although PCB-containing equipment is no longer manufactured, it can still be found in old lighting fixtures. PCBs pose a long-term hazard due to their persistence in the environment.
University Safety Policy SY26, Fluorescent Light Ballast/Capacitor Disposal Policy (SY26), governs the disposal of these fixtures in accordance with federal regulation 40 CFR 302.6, to ensure the proper disposition of these materials. All ballasts/capacitors that are removed and are not labeled "No PCBs" are collected by maintenance staff and treated as containing PCBs. EHS coordinates the disposal of these fixtures through our hazardous waste management program. Since the 2000/2001 fiscal year, the University has removed over 10,000 pounds of ballasts.
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