Hazardous Frequently-Asked Questions

What and where is the Resource Recovery Complex (RRC)?
The RRC includes the Hazardous Waste Management Area (HWMA), the Radiation Waste Building, the Universal Waste Building, the Incinerator, and the Chemical Recycling Building. At this location, Registered Users may acquire free recycled chemicals, containers for the collection of unwanted materials, and other EHS-provided supplies. The RRC is located south of the Animal Sciences Center at 1710 East Campus Loop. The location is shown on campus maps, including those provided in campus and city telephone directories. Also see Getting to EHS. Hours of operation are 8:00 to 5:00 (7:30 to 4:30 during the summer), Monday through Friday. The RRC is not open over lunch (12:00 to 1:00) or during Friday morning staff meetings (8:00 to 10:00). Direct phone numbers are: (573) 882-3736 (office) and (573) 884-5270 (FAX).

Will EHS take my unwanted hazardous materials from home?
No. The RRC only manages hazardous materials generated by MU operations. The City of Columbia operates a Household Hazardous Waste program for the purpose of collecting unwanted hazardous materials from local residents. It is located at 1313 Lakeview Avenue, and is open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the first and third Saturdays of each month, April through November. For additional information, telephone (573) 874-6280.

How long will it take for EHS to pick up my hazardous materials after submitting a Pick-Up Request Form (PURF)?
The Hazardous Materials Management Procedure Manual (PDF) specifies that a pickup will be scheduled within two weeks of receipt and approval by EHS, but pickups usually occur within one week. However, requests involving reactives (e.g., explosives), agrochemicals, unknowns, and large quantities of chemicals (e.g., laboratory clean outs), may be delayed until special handling and/or disposal arrangements can be made. Improperly completed PURFs may also delay scheduling. Registered Users are encouraged to contact EHS prior to submission of the PURF when specific scheduling needs must be addressed.

Where can I find a blank PURF? Hazardous Materials Labels (HMLs)? Empty containers?
A blank PURF can be downloaded online. There is also a web-based form on that page. Blank HMLs may be obtained by calling EHS at (573) 882-7018, emailing EHS, picking them up at the RRC or the Research Park Development Building, or directly from the Environmental Health Technician servicing your location.

Even though EHS is not required to provide empty containers for collecting unwanted hazardous materials, the staff at the RRC tries to keep a supply on hand. Requests can be made by calling, emailing, or writing your request in the "Additional Comments" section at the bottom of the PURF. Registered Users are encouraged to utilize containers left after original contents are consumed for the purpose of collecting used materials with similar hazards/chemical characteristics.

In selected locations on campus (including Chemistry, Tucker Hall, Connaway Hall, Veterinary Medical Diagnostics Laboratory, Medical Science Building, etc.), EHS has stocked supplies, including biohazard boxes and bags, bottles, labels, and PURFs for easy accessibility to building occupants.

What can I do with extra glass and/or plastic bottles generated in our laboratory operations that I want to recycle?
Staffing and scheduling parameters do not allow for EHS to pick up non-regulated, empty glass or plastic containers from laboratory locations. However, laboratory staff may deliver the unwanted containers to the RRC.

Glass bottles are crushed and drummed, while plastic bottles are containerized intact. When sufficient quantities have been collected, they are transported to a local recycling facility (EHS recycles over 3 tons of glass each year).

Once all container labels have been defaced, these items can also be taken directly to recycling bins located on campus, at area grocery stores, or to Civic Recycling (3300 Brown Station Road). Regardless of where you take your glass, DO NOT include borosilicate glass (e.g. Pyrex, Kimax). Borosilicate glass is unacceptable for recycling through local outlets. This type of glass should be discarded in the normal trash, following procedures established in each building by custodial staff.

What can I do with empty propane cylinders?
Recently a new device called the “Green Key” was developed by Coleman which has the potential of making millions of single-use propane cylinders suitable for steel recycling in lieu of landfilling.  This “Green Key” provides consumers a tool to durably and conspicuously mark the propane cylinder as empty, while physically ensuring the cylinder valve remains open. 

“Green Keys” are already included with the purchase of single-use propane cylinders from several major manufacturers, and are available at a nominal cost to manage those cylinders purchased before the "Green Key" program began. The EHS Chemical Recycling Program is also stocking “Green Keys”, and they are available free upon request. Instructions for these “Green Keys” can be viewed at the Coleman Recycling website.

MU EHS has recently established a program at the Resource Recovery Center to recycle these empty propane cylinders, and is currently establishing collection containers at those campus locations that generate large quantities of empty propane cylinders. If you or your department is a large generator of these devices or you would like additional information, please contact EHS Hazardous Material Services at 882-3736 or hazmat@missouri.edu.

Radiation Frequently-Asked Questions