University of Tennessee at Knoxville
OP-21: Hazardous Waste Management

Hazardous Waste Minimization Policy (adopted March 2011): "It shall be the policy of the University of Tennessee to conduct a program that will reduce the volume and risks associated with the generation of hazardous waste to the minimum levels that are economically and technically feasible. This program shall be in full compliance with the requirements of all applicable federal, state and local regulations. The reduction efforts shall extend beyond the minimum regulatory expectations so that the potential for environmental pollution is minimized with health and safety protection maximized. The university administration shall support this endeavor by committing human and financial resources to the successful implementation of this plan. Each employee who has involvement in a waste generating operation shall consider waste reduction as an integral component of their job and shall be committed to successful implementation of the program. It shall be the responsibility of each department head or manager to support and enforce the policies and procedures written in the waste management plan."

UT Knoxville maintains a policy regarding all hazardous material that requires the use of leak proof, chemically compatible containers for liquid waste and the use of bags for dry, non-sharp waste only. Furthermore, containers with signs of contamination may never be employed. Every container must be properly labeled according to the policy outlined below. Efforts to maximize the space of each container must be taken. Proper labeling procedures require each container be labeled "Hazardous Waste" and include the generator's name, as well as the contents within. Containers will them be stored with tight fitting lids to be recorded and disposed.