Hazardous Waste Management and Minimization
Effective: Moved to Policy Library from UPM 12.12(10), UPM 12.12(11)
Reviewed and Updated: March 2021
Contact: Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S)
Introduction
The proper management of hazardous wastes in order to protect human health and the environment is the responsibility of all Iowa State University personnel. Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) ensures proper hazardous waste management by administering the Environmental Protection Agency Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) program, and other applicable state and local rules or policies. RCRA regulates the generation, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste items, and mandates that generators of hazardous waste implement waste minimization practices.
The term "hazardous waste" refers to any material designated as a hazardous waste by the Environmental Protection Agency, equipment containing hazardous waste, or any items or substance contaminated with hazardous waste. Hazardous waste may include, but is not limited to, chemicals, computers and electronics, appliances, and fluorescent lamps.
Policy Statement
General Duty
University personnel are required to adhere to federal, state and local hazardous waste regulations and policies set forth in ISU's Waste and Recycling Guidelines and all other applicable programs and policies.
Discharge of Hazardous Wastes
University personnel are prohibited from discharging-or allowing or causing to be discharged-hazardous wastes to the land, surfaces, waters, and sanitary or stormwater systems of Iowa State University.
Duty to Report
University personnel are required to report any discharge, spill, or release of hazardous waste immediately to Environmental Health and Safety or ISU Police.
Minimization of Hazardous Waste Generation
University personnel must, whenever practical, minimize the generation of hazardous waste utilizing the practices described in ISU's Waste and Recycling Guidelines, or by other suitable means.