General Policy for Management of Laboratory Waste

The University of Vermont recognizes its institutional responsibility for environmental stewardship. This commitment is described in the UVM Environmental Council's mission statement entitled "A Vision for a Green UVM".

As an integral component of this commitment, the University has developed and implemented an Environmental Management Plan for managing hazardous waste from laboratory activities. This plan will improve our environmental performance by increasing laboratory worker and student awareness of the environmental impact of their laboratory activities, and by promoting the concept of pollution prevention through waste minimization in the conduct of this work.

Therefore, the University of Vermont will:

* Enhance environmental awareness and training in the laboratory;

* Prevent pollution in the laboratory by using practices and materials that avoid, reduce, and control hazardous waste generation from laboratories and prevent "cross media transfer" of laboratory wastes;

* Implement an effective Environmental Management Plan for laboratories with a focus on continuous improvement and a clear assignment of accountability and responsibility;

* Develop a sensible, efficient and effective system for managing hazardous wastes in laboratories, which can act as a model applicable to institutions across the country and which meets or exceeds legal requirements;

* Communicate with interested parties on this issue through the Project XL stakeholder process.

The University of Vermont will continue to comply with all Federal, State, and local environmental laws and regulations not specifically deferred by the Laboratory XL project.