warg

10 Waste and Recycling C. Why Must I Properly Manage My Waste Materials? Proper management of waste materials is critical. • Improperly managed waste materials may cause harm to people or the environment. • It is possible to recycle or reuse many waste items. • Local, state, and federal laws require the proper management of waste materials. Unwanted Materials Waste materials fall into two broad categories: hazardous and non- hazardous. Both may harm people or the environment, but at different rates and in different ways. Hazardous waste materials include items such as laboratory chemicals, paints, cleaners, oils, and some surprising items such as cell phones, computers and fluorescent light bulbs. Hazardous waste materials are harmful or contain harmful components, and may cause immediate or delayed injury. Non-hazardous waste materials are not immediately dangerous and include items such as paper, plastic, scrap metal, tires, glass, and food. Improper management of these items causes harm by depleting resources and overwhelming treatment systems and landfills. The Three Rs – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle The best way to reduce waste is to not generate it in the first place. Minimization is the cornerstone of any waste management program. Once a waste is identified, throwing it in the trash or down the drain should be the last resort. Many waste materials may be reused or recycled. The 3 Rs, reduce, reuse, and recycle, are covered more fully in Section G, “Waste Minimization.” It’s The Law We should manage waste materials in ways that protect human health and the environment. It’s the right thing to do, but this doesn’t always happen. Therefore, rules are in place to ensure proper management. Federal, state, and local agencies such as those listed below regulate both hazardous and non-hazardous waste materials by mandating proper disposal, recycling and handling. Iowa State University, through the Hazardous Waste Management and Minimization policy, has adopted applicable environmental rules for use on campus. In addition to potential criminal and civil action at the state or federal level, failure to follow rules associated with the proper handling of Waste Fact: Iowa State University generates over 205,000 pounds of hazardous waste per year. Waste Fact: Iowa State University produces over 20,000 pounds of paper waste per month.