Minimizing Hazardous Waste through Chemical Exchange By: Karen Ko, CHEX Program Student Intern
What is it? UC Berkeley’s Chemical Exchange Program (“CHEX”) is a program maintained by the Office of Environment, Health, & Safety. It is a free service that maintains an inventory of surplus chemicals available to the Berkeley campus.
Background: In 2010, there was a campus-wide furlough. • The furlough reduced the number of hours staff worked • EH&S suspended CHEX to focus on core duties during the furlough • The program hasn’t been very active since
Current Situation: • • • • •
Research existing programs at UC Berkeley Research existing programs at peer institutions Develop proposals for establishing a program at UC Berkeley Develop chemical acceptance guidelines Discuss proposal with EH&S staff
Goals: • Set up the most efficient way to exchange chemicals using a web-based system to post and request chemicals • Advertise free chemicals to anyone with a Calnet ID • Reduce hazardous waste disposal and associated costs • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions