RESEARCH POLICY SERIES
POLICY AND PROCEDURE STATEMENT ON
HAZARDOUS WASTE AT MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy and procedure is to provide for effective, efficient, and safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste generated by Mississippi State University.
REVIEW
This policy and procedure will be reviewed as needed (AN) by the university Hazardous Waste Officer (HWO) and the University Hazardous Waste Management Committee with recommendations for revisions presented to the Regulatory Compliance Officer for review and transmission to the Vice President for Research.
POLICY/PROCEDURE
The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency has established the definition of what constitutes a hazardous waste. This agency also strictly regulates and enforces the storage, handling, and disposal of these materials. Under these regulations, "generators" of hazardous waste are perpetually responsible for any and all damages to human health, personal property, or the environment. In many instances, both teaching and research activities of the university produce hazardous waste, and Mississippi State University is therefore classified as a large quantity generator of hazardous waste.
Mississippi State University maintains a Hazardous Waste Management System for the proper handling, storage, recycling, and disposal of toxic or hazardous chemicals/materials subject to regulation as hazardous waste. This system is comprised of the Hazardous Waste Management Committee, Hazardous Waste Officer, and individuals responsible for activities using hazardous materials/chemicals or generating hazardous waste. The system complies with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments of 1984, and other relevant US EPA regulations. The MSU Hazardous Waste Management System also complies with regulations established by the Department of Environmental Quality of the State of Mississippi.
Hazardous waste may neither leave nor enter the MSU campus without the knowledge and written permission of the Hazardous Waste Officer.
Researchers wishing to conduct treatability studies involving hazardous waste must comply with the above as well as all state and federal regulations pertinent to treatability studies. If treatability studies will be funded, this must be noted on the Internal Approval Sheet prior to submission of the proposal to a funding source. The HWO's signature is required on Internal Approval Sheets for proposals that may involve treatment of hazardous waste.
Details of the procedures and regulations applicable to the handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste by MSU are given in the publication, "Hazardous Waste Guidance Manual," which may be obtained from the Regulatory Compliance Office.
All individuals who handle hazardous waste must complete an initial training program, followed by an annual refresher. This training is offered and training records are maintained by the Regulatory Compliance Office.
OP 79.1
08/16/04
For information about this policy, contact the
reviewing department.
