Procedure:    Waste: Hazardous
Department:   Facilities Management and Planning
Contact:         David Willis, (541) 463-5566          willisd@lanecc.edu

Hazardous Waste Disposal

A hazardous waste is any compound which is regulated as hazardous by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as defined by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).  The act undergoes continuous modification by Congress.  The purpose of this federal legislation and companion state and local laws on the subject is to protect human health and the environment by waste reduction and recovery.  Waste products of a potentially hazardous nature must be disposed of in compliance with RCRA and its related amendments.  Definitions for RCRA compliance are listed in Hazardous Waste Management System: General (40CFR260.1).

Institutional RCRA Compliance

Since chemicals listed by federal law as hazardous are constantly being changed, the institution is prohibiting chemical discharge until each chemical disposal is ensured to be in compliance with RCRA.  Most Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) list acceptable disposal criteria and may be used as guidelines.  Before disposing of any chemical, clearance of disposal method for RCRA compliance must be given by Facilities Management and Planning.

Documentation of proper disposal is the responsibility of the Department Administrator.  Questions regarding RCRA compliance should be addressed to Facilities Management and Planning.

Refer to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) List as a guide for areas and processes which are regulated as hazardous wastes.

Hazardous Waste Reduction Plan

Lane Community College is committed to the protection of human health and the environment.  To meet these commitments, the college strongly encourages its employees to utilize waste reduction techniques to reduce the volume and toxicity of chemical wastes produced at the college.

Common Waste Minimization Techniques

Product Substitution: substitute non-hazardous or less toxic materials in your chemical processes and experiments.  Some examples are: 

       1.  The use of non-halogenated solvents in parts washers or other solvent processes.

2.  The use of water base inks instead of solvent based inks in printing operations.
 

1.  In labs, micro analysis techniques can greatly reduce the amount of waste generated.

2.  Maintenance/mechanics shops can utilize parts washer solvent recycling programs.
 

1.  Do not mix wastes.  Especially do not mix hazardous wastes with non-hazardous wastes.

2.  Accurately label the waste containers as to their exact content.
 

1. Photo fixer waste is processed to reclaim silver by Facilites Management and Planning.

2. Thinners are recycled in the auto body paint shop.
 

  Team Leader:         Director of Facilities Management and Planning
  Team Member:       Science Chair
  Team Member:       Environmental Specialist

This team will check on department processes involving the use of "listed" chemicals for the purpose of exploring alternatives to current practice for the purpose of waste minimization.