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Environmental Health and Safety

Hazardous Waste Management

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established in December of 1970 and has created many multifacitated statutes that govern the management of chemicals and hazardous materials. One such statute established a "Cradle-to-grave" management system under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976.  This type of management system,  ensures the safe handling, storage, transportation, treatment, and disposal of all hazardous materials on U of SC campus. The University of South Carolina, classified by EPA and SCDHEC, as a Large Quantity Generator and is required to properly identify all hazardous wastes generated and the phyisical characteristics of that waste. The physical Characteristics  are defined as either one or a combination of more hazards that are either ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic. More of an overview about listed hazardous materials under RCRA Subtiltle C, can be found by visiting EPA website for RCRA Laws and Regulations. 

Hazardous waste generated at the University of South Carolina from its numerous sources ranging from research and teaching laboratories, art and science departments, athletics, repair shops and vehicle maintenance. Hazardous waste generators at every U of SC location is responsible for determining if their wastes are hazardous and must properly collect, store, and label there material.

The Hazardous Waste Management team provides many services including the proper processing and consolidation of all hazardous wastes. U of SC Environmental Health and Safety Hazardous Waste Management team contracts with external vendors to coordinate the shipment of all materials in accordance with all federal and state regulations. Because of the "cradle-to-grave" statute, the hazardous waste management team tracks the waste until it has been properly treated and/or recycled.

 

Hazardous Waste Policy

Proper disposal of hazardous chemical waste is the responsibility of the waste generator. Learn how to handle and dispose of hazardous solid, liquid or compressed gaseous material that's no longer in use or expired. The policy indicated how hazardous material must be stored at each location, as well as, limitations on how much can be stored at one time. The Hazardous waste policy also outlines and clarify what proper "treatment" of materials stored in its original container and the correct procedure to dispose of acutely hazardous material. 

Hazardous Waste Pick-Up Request

Hazardous waste generated on U of SC campus must be submitted for disposal through the request portal. Hazardous waste, once submitted, will be removed within 7 days of the original request, unless the team is not able to gain access to the storage location. Exceptions for not submitting a hazardous waste request, due for large quantities from cleanouts can only be approved by express authorization of the Hazard Waste Manager.

 

Hazardous Waste Training

All of U of SC personnel who work with hazardous materials are required to obtain training and certification on how to label, store, and dispose of material that is generated . This training is required and must be renewed within 1 year of its initial training date. It is the responsibility of each personnel to retain a copy of this certification. 

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