Waste

Waste Management

Waste Facility Policy Statement, June 2015

  • Hazardous Waste

    For information on disposing of hazardous waste, see hazardous waste disposal procedures.

  • Universal Waste

    MSU’s Universal Waste Management Program is focused on the proper handling and recycling of universal waste while still safeguarding the environment.

    Universal wastes are common, everyday items with a hazardous component. They include items such as: batteries, mercury-containing devices, certain pesticides, pharmaceuticals and lamps. Universal wastes are generated from a wide variety of settings, including laboratories; support services buildings, and medical facilities.

    Although handlers of universal wastes meet less stringent standards for storing, transporting, and collecting wastes, the wastes must comply with full hazardous waste requirements for final recycling, treatment, or disposal. This approach helps to remove these wastes from municipal landfills and incinerators, providing stronger safeguards for public health and the environment.

Regulations, Permits

  • Regulatory Background

    The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), enacted in 1976, provides "cradle to grave" control of solid and hazardous waste by establishing management requirements on generators and transporters of hazardous waste and on owners and operators of hazardous waste storage and disposal facilities (TSDF). The Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments (HSWA) and the Federal Facility Compliance Act (FFCA) have amended RCRA several times. RCRA provides specific requirements for the identification and listing of hazardous waste. RCRA mainly applies to active facilities, but can also address serious problems of abandoned and inactive facilities. The EGLE is authorized by the EPA to manage their State hazardous waste program.

    Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA Title III) is the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act (EPCRA).

    SARA Title III has requirements related to the hazardous chemical storage, toxic and chemical release reporting, emergency planning and public right to know about chemicals and chemical releases within their community.

  • MSU's Permits, Responsibilities

    MSU currently has a permitted and approved hazardous waste storage and disposal facility (TSDF), and provides hazardous waste services to all researchers and service departments on campus. The facility utilizes best work practices to protect human health and safety and minimize environmental impacts.

    EHS maintains an inventory of chemicals stored on campus (excluding chemicals used in research and teaching labs). An annual notification (as required under the rules) is submitted to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) that manages the State program. EHS must be informed of and approve any new chemical storage on campus.

  • Regulatory References

Waste