Operations Waste Management
University operations generate a large quantity and variety of waste on campus. All of this waste must be properly collected, recycled, treated, and/or disposed. Click on the links at the left to learn more about how the university manages waste.
Hazardous wastes generated on campus are managed by the Division of Research Safety.
Call 217-333-2755 for more information.
Are you interested in university livestock management operations and environmental concerns? In Illinois, livestock management and livestock waste-handling facilities are required to conduct operations in a manner that prevents water pollution. Environmental Compliance can recommend a number of best management practices to prevent agricultural pollution.
Campus operations generate a variety of solid wastes such as municipal waste, landscape and livestock waste, and medical/infectious waste. Depending upon the type of operations, managing these wastes may require a permit from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA).
Did you know that all municipal trash and recyclables collected on the campus are processed at the Waste Transfer Station? Recyclable materials including paper, plastics, and metals are reclaimed from the waste stream and sold on the market. Contact Safety & Compliance if you would like a tour of the facility.
Interested in composting wastes on campus? In general, a permit is not required for wastes that originate on campus, are composted on campus, and remain on university property. Contact Environmental Compliance for additional site specific requirements.
Do you have questions regarding medical/infectious waste disposal? Please contact the Division of Research Safety for more information.
Don’t pour that used oil down the drain! Used oil is not a hazardous waste, but is a general environmental hazard, and an unauthorized release to surface water can be subject to heavy penalties. For advice on oil spill prevention, contact Safety & Compliance.
Storage of Used Oil
- Do not store near drains or waterway.
- Use spill containment (spill pallets) where possible.
- Containers must be compatible with type of oil stored, temperature and pressure.
- Containers must not leak or have severe rusting, structural defects, or signs of deterioration.
- Clearly mark the words “USED OIL” on containers.
- Do not store more than one 55-gallon container at a site at any time.
- Use lighting and locked compounds if storage area is near water or drain.
- If storage area is provided with a means to collect spilled product (i.e., containment pallet), the containment structure should be examined for oil prior to emptying. If sorbent material is used to collect spilled oil, it should be disposed of correctly.
- Conduct inspections of oil storage areas at least monthly.
- Document inspections and keep with the Spill Prevention Control & Countermeasure Plan (SPCC) at your unit for 3 years.
Use of Used Oil
- Used oil may be re-used on-site (i.e., as a lubricant) if the oil is not contaminated with hazardous material. The above-listed storage requirements also apply.
- Do not use as a dust suppressant.
- Do not store used oil in waste piles.
- Use funnels – minimize decanting used oil into and from containers.
- Do not mix used oil with other types of oil, unless prior approval has been received from the Division of Research Safety (DRS) at 217-333-2755.
Disposal of Used Oil
Used oil may be collected at its point of generation by DRS. For more information about disposal, call DRS at 217-333-2755 to begin the process. DRS reserves the right to refuse to transport any used oil until such conditions as required by DRS are met.
- Do not burn used oil as a method of disposal without prior notification to DRS and the owner of the combustion unit.
- Do not leave oil-filled containers outside the locked storage compound at the Physical Plant Services Building. Only authorized Facilities & Services personnel are permitted to decant used oil into drums in this compound. Storage restrictions listed above also apply.
Featured Providers
Providers
Waste Transfer Station 
The Waste Transfer Station is at the center of campus waste management and recycling activities. The station supports the overall campus goal to reduce the amount of material entering the waste stream.
Featured News
F&S Organization
Hulse Named Zero Waste Coordinator
