15.4.3
Hazardous Waste Disposal Policy
1. Purpose
This policy defines the principles, procedures, and responsibilities for the safe handling, storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous waste generated within the University of Thessaly. Its purpose is to ensure compliance with environmental and health regulations, protect human health and ecosystems, and promote responsible waste management consistent with the University’s sustainability objectives.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
– All University laboratories, research units, and workshops producing chemical, biological, or radiological waste.
– University healthcare, agricultural, and veterinary facilities generating clinical or toxic waste.
– Contractors and external entities operating on University premises.
– Any activity involving hazardous materials, including teaching, research, and maintenance.
It encompasses the generation, classification, segregation, labeling, storage, transport, treatment, and disposal of hazardous waste.
3. Definitions
– Hazardous waste: Any material that poses a potential risk to human health or the environment due to its chemical, biological, or physical properties.
– Chemical waste: Waste containing toxic, corrosive, flammable, or reactive substances.
– Biological waste: Infectious or biohazardous materials such as microbial cultures or contaminated tissues.
– Sharps waste: Items capable of puncturing or cutting (needles, blades, glassware).
– Hazardous waste manifest: Official documentation tracking hazardous waste from generation to final disposal.
– Authorized waste contractor: Licensed entity approved to collect, transport, and dispose of hazardous waste.
4. Policy Statement
The University of Thessaly commits to minimizing and safely managing hazardous waste to protect the environment, staff, students, and the wider community. Accordingly, the University shall:
1. Identify, classify, and label all hazardous wastes generated.
2. Implement appropriate storage, segregation, and containment measures.
3. Ensure waste is collected, transported, and treated only by authorized contractors.
4. Maintain full traceability of hazardous waste from origin to final disposal.
5. Comply with all applicable Greek and EU legislation and international standards.
6. Provide training to staff and students on hazardous waste handling and emergency response.
7. Promote waste minimization, substitution of hazardous materials, and recycling where possible.
8. Maintain accurate records and annual reports of hazardous waste management.
5. Implementation Responsibilities
The Administration Office, in coordination with the Sustainability Committee, Directorate of Technical Services, and the Departments of a) Forestry, Wood Sciences and Design, b) Computer Science and Biomedical Informatics , d) Environment, e) Biochemistry and Biotechnology, f) Medicine, g) Veterinary Medicine and h) School of Agricultural Sciences, is responsible for implementation. Responsibilities include:
– Developing hazardous waste management protocols and risk assessments.
– Maintaining inventory and manifest systems for all hazardous materials.
– Designating approved temporary storage facilities in compliance with safety standards.
– Conducting inspections and audits of hazardous waste practices.
– Coordinating with certified waste management contractors for collection and treatment.
– Ensuring compliance through staff training and laboratory supervision.
– Reporting non-compliance incidents and corrective actions to the Senate.
Each department shall appoint a Hazardous Waste Officer to oversee implementation at the local level.
6. Monitoring and Reporting
Monitoring shall include:
– Routine inspections of waste storage and labeling.
– Verification of manifests and waste transfer records.
– Annual reporting of hazardous waste generation, treatment, and disposal volumes.
– Incident reporting and corrective action logs.
The Sustainability Committee will consolidate data for inclusion in the University’s Environmental and Sustainability Report and submissions for THE Impact Rankings (SDG 12 & 13).
7. Review and Amendment
This policy shall be reviewed every three (3) years or earlier if new regulatory requirements, operational changes, or technological developments occur. Revisions will be proposed by the Health and Safety Office and approved by the Governing Council.
8. References and Compliance Frameworks
– Hellenic Authority for Higher Education (HAHE) – ESG Environmental and Safety Standards
– UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3, SDG 6, SDG 12, SDG 13)
– EU Directive 2008/98/EC on Waste
– EU Directive 2010/75/EU on Industrial Emissions
– Greek Law 4042/2012 (Transposition of Directive 2008/98/EC)
– Joint Ministerial Decision 13588/725/2006 on Hazardous Waste Management
– ISO 14001: Environmental Management Systems