Syracuse University Environmental Health Office
Scrap Metal Recycling Policy

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) allows an exemption from the Solid and Hazardous Waste rules for scrap metal which is being recycled in 6 NYCRR Part 371.1(c)(7).

Click on the NYS DEC Logo above to link to the DEC's Scrap Metal Web Site

Scrap metal is defined as, “bits and pieces of metal parts (e.g. bars, turnings, rods, sheets, wire) or metal pieces that may be combined together with bolts and soldering (e.g. radiators, scrap automobiles, railroad boxcars), which when worn or superfluous can be recycled.

Syracuse University generates various types of metal wastes from a variety of operations in various departments. Examples of items, equipment and devices which may be considered scrap metal include, but are not limited to:

Brass	Silver	Computer Monitors
CPU's	Batteries	Office Furniture
Steel	Lab Equipment	Computer Keyboards
Lead	Machinery	Empty Cylinders
Pipes	Precious Metals	Electronic Equipment

If the solid waste that is being disposed of as scrap metal is also a hazardous waste, the material is regulated by NYSDEC (6NYCRR 371.1(c)(7)). Scrap metals that could be considered a hazardous waste include, but are not limited to:

Brass (lead content)	Solder (silver and/or lead)	Computer Monitors
CPU's	Batteries	Lab Equipment
Electronic Equipment	Computer Keyboards	Painted Metal (lead paint)
Lead (batteries, pipe, block)	Silver (Photographic fixer, solder, jewelry)

It is important to make an accurate hazardous waste determination on every solid waste prior to disposal because some materials which are believed to be non-hazardous, such as brass keys, are “hazardous” (regulated) per New York State regulations. Refer to the Syracuse University Hazardous Waste Management Manual for a list of regulated materials and more information regarding scrap metal.

Items which contain or may otherwise be considered regulated waste may still be recycled or reclaimed as a scrap metal, but the University must do so in accordance with New York State regulations which state that prior to the reclaiming off site of any regulated waste as scrap metal, the University is required to notify the NYSDEC.

The Environmental Health Office has submitted a “C-7” notification to the State of New York. Accompanying that notification was a list of facilities , which the University currently has approved for recycling regulated scrap metal. Only facilities included on this list may be used for University generated scrap metal recycling. Requests for use of a recycling facility not included on the approved facility list must be made at least 6 weeks prior to proposed use using the Scrap Metal Recycling Facility Approval form.

Any questions regarding scrap metal recycling should be addressed to the Hazardous Waste Operations Manager at X-9132 or the EHO Main Office at X-4132.