Environmental Compliance - Hazardous Waste

Hazardous Waste Management

Various University activities, particularly in the Science labs, Visual Art studios, maintenance shops, and ground-keeping operations, generate various types of Hazardous Wastes.  Typical hazardous wastes generated include; spent solvents, acids and bases, heavy metal , paints, oils, and unused chemicals, among others.

Handling and disposal of hazardous waste is regulated by EPA under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). State and Local Jurisdictions may also have additional regulations governing management of hazardous waste. To ensure a safe workplace and to adequately protect the environment and comply with Federal and State regulations, all University personnel who generate hazardous waste must ensure that the wastes they generate are properly managed in accordance with the University’s Hazardous Waste Management Procedures.

Proper management of hazardous waste includes:

• Correctly identifying wastes as hazardous
• Storing wastes in a properly labeled and closed container
• Adequately segregating waste containers and ensuring secondary containment to reduce spills
• Performing weekly visual inspection of waste areas
• Ensuring the timely removal from operating areas through EH&S services