12.2.3

Waste Disposal Including Hazardous Materials

1. Purpose

The purpose of this Policy is to establish a comprehensive framework for the management and disposal of all waste generated by the University of Thessaly, including hazardous materials, in accordance with national and European legislation. The Policy aims to ensure environmental protection, public health, and full compliance with the National Plan for Hazardous Waste Management and the technical specifications defined in Article 5 of Ministerial Decree Η.Π.13588/725/2006 (ΦΕΚ Β’ 383/2006).

2. Scope

This Policy applies to all University departments, laboratories, clinics, facilities, and external contractors involved in the generation, handling, storage, transport, or disposal of chemical, biological, radioactive, or hazardous materials waste. It encompasses academic, research, administrative, and residential activities across all campuses.

3. Legal and Institutional Context

This Policy is aligned with: Ministerial Decree Η.Π.13588/725/2006 (ΦΕΚ Β’ 383/2006), Article 5; Law 1650/1986 (Environmental Protection); Law 4819/2021 (Circular Economy and Waste Management); Law 4042/2012 (Transposition of Directive 2008/98/EC); Presidential Decree 82/2004 (Transport of Hazardous Waste); EU Directive 2008/98/EC (Waste Framework Directive); and UN SDGs 3, 12, and 13.

4. Policy Statement

The University of Thessaly shall ensure safe and environmentally responsible management of all hazardous waste.
2. Waste minimization, segregation, recycling, and recovery shall be prioritized over disposal.
3. Hazardous materials shall be stored, labeled, and disposed of in compliance with the specifications of Article 5 of ΚΥΑ Η.Π.13588/725/2006, ensuring traceability and safe transport to licensed facilities.
4. Each academic or research unit shall appoint a Waste Management Officer responsible for implementing safe handling procedures.
5. Hazardous chemical waste, biological waste, and electronic waste shall be collected and processed through certified contractors authorized under Law 4819/2021.
6. Storage and handling of hazardous substances shall follow EU REACH (Regulation 1907/2006) and CLP (Regulation 1272/2008) standards.
7. Radioactive materials shall be managed in compliance with the Greek Atomic Energy Commission (ΕΕΑΕ) regulations.
8. All staff and students handling hazardous materials shall receive mandatory training on waste classification, labeling, and disposal procedures.
9. Records of waste generation, transport, and final disposal shall be maintained for at least 5 years and made available to authorities upon request.
10. The University shall submit annual waste management data to competent environmental authorities, in compliance with national reporting systems.

5. Implementation and Responsibilities

– The Vice Rector of Finance and Administrative Affairs oversees implementation.
– The Technical Services Directorate ensures compliance with waste management standards.
– The Environmental Health and Safety Office manages hazardous waste handling and training.
– Laboratory Heads and Department Chairs are responsible for internal waste monitoring and reporting.

6. Monitoring and Review

Regular audits of waste management procedures shall be conducted by the University’s Environmental Health and Safety Office. Findings shall be included in the Annual Sustainability and Safety Report. This Policy shall be reviewed every three (3) years or sooner, in accordance with legislative updates.

7. Related Documents / References

ΚΥΑ Η.Π.13588/725/2006 (ΦΕΚ Β’ 383/2006);
Law 1650/1986;
Law 4819/2021;
Law 4042/2012;
P.D. 82/2004;
EU Directive 2008/98/EC;
REACH & CLP Regulations;
UN SDGs 3, 12, 13.