Yes, Penn State has several policies, processes and practices on waste disposal covering hazardous and infectious waste disposal. These include cultures and stocks of infectious agents and associated biologicals, pathological wastes such as tissues, organs, body parts and body fluids, human blood and body fluid waste, animal wastes, isolation wastes, and used sharps. For example:
- Policy SY01 Environmental Health and Safety Policy is an umbrella policy that includes hazardous materials for all units of the university.
- Policy SY08 Storage, Dispensing and Use of Flammable Liquids on University Property prescribes general procedures concerning the storage, dispensing and use of flammable and combustible liquids.
- Policy SY14 Use of Radioactive Materials governs the use, storage, and disposal of radioactive materials.
- Policy SY40 Disposal of Pollutants in University Sanitary Systems prohibits the disposal of materials that could adversely affect the general public or wastewater personnel in the course of their work; could interfere with the operation of the University Sanitary Sewer system; could pass through inadequately treated into the environment.
- Policy RP11 Use of Regulated and Biohazardous Materials in Research and Instruction governs research involving regulated materials is conducted in a well-controlled environment that minimizes associated risks to individuals and the environment.
- Policy SY29 Infectious Waste Disposal policy establishes safe handling and proper disposal of regulated medical waste.
- Policy SY20 Hazardous Waste Disposal established procedures for the handling, transportation and disposal of hazardous waste at all locations of The Pennsylvania State University.
Penn State’s Environmental Health and Safety website provides information about Pollution Prevention Initiatives.
Learn more about Penn State’s progress on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals HERE and on SDG15 HERE.
