Environmental Waste Management

I. Overview

The Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) established the framework for hazardous waste regulation in 1976. RCRA was enacted by Congress to protect human health and the environment from improper management of hazardous waste. RCRA introduced the concept that the generator of a waste is responsible for the proper waste management from “cradle-to-grave” (i.e., from purchase to disposal).

At Georgia Southern University (GSU), hazardous waste disposal is managed by the Environmental Health and Safety Department (EHS). Chemicals are not allowed to be disposed in drains, in the trash, or by evaporation. All hazardous waste is required to be held in the generating location for subsequent pick-up and disposal by EHS.

Contact the EHS office for more information on the regulatory requirements for management of chemical, bio hazardous, batteries, bulbs, ballasts or other wastes. ALWAYS contact EHS if there is ANY uncertainty about the appropriate management of a waste.

You may request a pick-up through EHS Assistant (EHSA). Access to EHSA can be found under the “Facilities Services” menu on your MyGeorgiaSouthern homepage. If you do not have access to EHSA, you will need to submit a Help Desk ticket here.

II. Applicability

The regulatory requirements for proper handling of waste applies to all personnel on GSU campuses to include: all contractors, employees, students, visitors, and invitees.

III. Hazardous Waste Generator Status

GSU- Statesboro campus is classified as a Small Quantity Generator (SQG).
GSU – Armstrong and Liberty campuses are classified as Very Small Quantity Generators (VSQG).

Last updated: 1/12/2021