Proper management of electronic and hazardous waste supports UCSB’s commitment to sustainability, compliance, and safety. Furniture Services, AS Recycling, and Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) partner to provide clear guidance and convenient options based on item type, ownership, and size.
| Waste Type | Handling Group | Collection Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inventorial electronics & large devices | Furniture Services | Scheduled pickup/drop-off | Requires EIMR approval |
| Daily e-waste bins | AS Recycling | Drop-off at campus bins | Up to 50 lbs, 2’x2’x2’ |
| Hazardous electronic or chemical waste | EH&S | Scheduled hazardous pickup | Requires compliance & labels |
| Household/conditional business hazardous waste | Community HHWC Center | Weekend drop-off or Fri appointment | CESQG rules apply |
1. Departmental & Inventorial E‑Waste
Handled by Furniture Services (DLS)
This service is for larger or inventorial devices (e.g., computers, lab equipment, large printers) obtained through University allocations.
Examples: desktops, monitors, servers, printers, routers, battery backups, circuit boards, microwaves, small appliances
Procedure:
- Inventorial items (cost > $5,000) require clearance via EIMR before collection.
- To schedule a pickup, submit a Furniture Services Work Request with:
- Contact info, description/quantity, location, requested date, and CCOA for recharge fees associated with the labor and vehicle utlized for the pickup.
Note: EH&S may require additional approvals for items like lab refrigerators, mercury-based devices, and Fume Hoods.
Decontamination of Biosafety Cabinets (BSCs)
Effective 2024, Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) has updated its protocol for the disposal or relocation of Class II Biosafety Cabinets (BSCs):
- Departments must arrange for decontamination by a third-party vendor prior to pickup or transfer.
Currently, Technical Safety Services (TSS) provides UCSB with decontamination services at a fixed rate:
- Cost: $205 per unit (2024–2025 rate, subject to change)
- Includes: Chlorine gas or hydrogen peroxide vapor decontamination
- No travel fees
- Documentation is provided confirming the unit was properly decontaminated
Before requesting pickup or relocation through Furniture Services, departments must:
- Schedule decontamination with TSS or another qualified vendor
- Attach the decontamination certificate to the Work Order submitted to Furniture Services
This documentation is required for compliance and ensures that Facilities and Surplus staff can handle the equipment safely.
For questions or approvals, contact EH&S: bishop@ucsb.edu | (805) 893-3293
2. Daily E‑Waste Drop‑Off
Handled by AS Recycling
AS Recycling provides over 40 conveniently located bins across campus for smaller, everyday e-waste from UCSB Students, Staff and Faculty. All materials are sent to an internationally recognized e‑Steward certified facility.
Accepted items:
- Batteries, handhelds, small appliances, cables, and small electronics
- Computer peripherals and drives (Note: If you are a campus IT specialist, are discarding a computer and can verify that the drive has been COMPLETELY wiped, you may tape a note to the item stating that it has been wiped and can be redistributed with the hard drive intact. Otherwise, the hard drive will be destroyed and the recycle value of the computer will be reduced).
- CFL bulbs in designated bins
- Ink and toner cartridges (Note: Currently under review and subject to change)
Size limitations:
- Items larger than 2’x2’x2’ or heavier than 50 lbs should be scheduled for Furniture Services pickup.
3. Hazardous E‑Waste & Chemical Waste
Managed by EH&S
For specialized or hazardous electronic waste—including mercury thermostats, lab-grade freezers, biological waste, chemicals, sharps, or radioactive materials—you must use EH&S’s Hazardous Waste Program.
Request pickup via EH&S:
hazwaste.ehs.ucsb.edu/hazwasterequest or contact Bruce Carter, Hazardous Waste Program Manager, at (805) 893‑3293 or bruce.carter@ucsb.edu.
Lab-specific or chemical materials (e.g., aqua regia, solvents) must also use EH&S procedures.
4. Off‑Campus Drop‑Off Locations
For UCSB students and staff who generate off‑campus hazardous waste (e.g., household paints, oils, pesticides), the Community Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center (Building 565, Mesa Road) is available:
Weekends: Sat 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Sun 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Business appointments: Fri by reservation
Call (805) 882‑3602 or visit the Community Household Hazardous Waste web page for full details.