Waste Management Process
UNM Sustainability is applying for accreditation through the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System (STARS). As a tier-one research institute, the University of New Mexico generates hazardous waste, which either gets disposed of, recycled, and/or prepared for reuse.
UNM is a Large Quantity Generator (LQG) of hazardous waste, which means activities associated with research, teaching, and maintenance generate more than 1,000 kilograms or 2,200 pounds of hazardous waste per calendar month.
Since UNM is the only R1-rated Research University in New Mexico, most hazardous waste generated at UNM is associated with laboratory research activities. In 2023, UNM generated nearly 23,000 pounds of hazardous waste. The type of hazardous waste and how it was managed in 2023 is categorized below.
Waste Description | Management Method | Quantity (in Pounds) |
Labpack with no acute hazards | Transfer Offsite | 826 |
Labpack containing acute hazards | Incineration | 1230 |
Contaminated debris, rags | Incineration | 374 |
Labpack Acids & Compatibles | Incineration | 1835 |
Labpack Reactive Acids & Compatibles | Incineration | 4 |
Labpack Reactive Basic & Compatibles | Incineration | 11 |
Labpack Bases & Compatibles | Incineration | 659 |
Labpack Flammables | Transfer Offsite | 1728 |
Labpack Flammables | Incineration | 4487 |
Labpack Reactive Flammables | Incineration | 8 |
Labpack Oxidizers | Transfer Offsite | 297 |
Labpack Oxidizers | Incineration | 260 |
Labpack Reactive | Transfer Offsite | 117 |
Labpack Reactive Oxidizers | Incineration | 167 |
Labpack Nonreactive | Incineration | 254 |
Labpack Toxic | Transfer Offsite | 1514 |
Labpack Organics | Incineration | 1112 |
Labpack Alkali Metals | Incineration | 25 |
Labpack High Subcategory Mercury | Incineration | 6 |
Labpack Mercury Devices for Retort | Transfer Offsite | 131 |
Labpack Non-Infectious Sharps | Incineration | 13 |
Ethanol | Transfer Offsite | 1255 |
Dilute Acid Waste | Recovery/Reclamation | 920 |
Water Treatment Acidic | Incineration | 120 |
Water Treatment Basic | Transfer Offsite | 120 |
Hand Sanitizer Bulked | Transfer Offsite | 200 |
Other Inorganic Liquid | Transfer Offsite | 137 |
Mixed Solvents | Transfer Offsite | 1150 |
Loosepack Flammable & Toxic | Transfer Offsite | 546 |
Photo Fixer/Developer | Transfer Offsite/Incinerate | 1476 |
Unused Product Polylite | Transfer Offsite | 300 |
Flammable Cylinders | Transfer Offsite | 90 |
Corrosive Cylinders | Neutralization Only | 10 |
Lead Acid Batteries | Reclamation | 1500 |
