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Policy No: <strong>2005</strong><br />
Policy No: <strong>2005</strong><br />
Effective Date: <strong>08/25/06</strong><br />
Effective Date: <strong>08/25/06</strong><br />
Revised Date: <strong>06/17/19</strong><br />
Revised Date: <strong>01/16/25</strong><br />
Reviewed Date: <strong>06/17/19</strong><br />
Reviewed Date: <strong>01/16/25</strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<big>'''Waste Handling Policy'''</big>
<big>'''Waste Handling Policy'''</big>
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==Guidelines==
==Guidelines==
Please follow the recycling and disposal guidelines below.
Please follow the recycling and disposal guidelines below.
===Recyclable Waste===
Recyclable waste is any material collected on campus that can be recycled. The most common recycled material is listed below.
====Paper and Cardboard====
It is policy of UNMC and Nebraska Medicine that '''ALL PAPER''' must be placed in a blue desk-side container, large blue bin, locked grey or beige bin, or locked cart. All paper is shredded to ensure HIPAA/FERPA/confidentiality compliance. Even if that paper does not need to be shredded (i.e. newspaper) it is still placed in one of those containers.<br />


Virtually all paper products on campus can be recycled: copy paper, envelopes (including plastic windows), scratch paper, glossy paper, construction paper, clean food packaging, newspaper, receipts, post-its, notebook paper, etc. Facial tissues, napkins, paper towels, etc. '''cannot''' be recycled and should be placed in the trash.<br />
=== Recyclable Waste ===
Recyclable waste is any material collected on campus that can be recycled. The most common recycled materials are mixed paper, cardboard, plastic, tin, scrap metal, and aluminum. For questions about recycling, email [mailto:livegreen@unmc.edu livegreen@unmc.edu], call 402-559-5462 or 402-559-5300, or visit the Live Green site at https://livegreennebraska.com


If you have large quantities to recycle, please contact Environmental Services (EVS) (402-559-4073) so they can provide you with a larger bin, making it easier for you and safer for your EVS colleague.<br />
====Paper====
It is the policy of UNMC and Nebraska Medicine that '''ALL PAPER''' must be placed in a blue desk-side container, large blue bin, locked grey or beige bin, or locked cart. All paper is shredded to ensure HIPAA/FERPA/confidentiality compliance. Even if that paper does not need to be shredded (i.e. newspaper) it is still placed in one of those containers.  Please reference [[Retention and Destruction/Disposal of Private and Confidential Information|'''Retention and Destruction/Disposal of Private and Confidential Information Policy''']] for additional information.


All corrugated cardboard (boxes used for shipping) and standard cardboard (sometimes referred to as paperboard: facial tissue/cereal/frozen meal boxes) can be recycled on campus. Please break all boxes down flat and place them between your paper recycling bin and the wall or at the designated location for your building. You do not need to remove labels or tape. Cardboard that has come in direct contact with food can be recycled as long as it is not dirty/soiled. Do not place any grade of cardboard in the blue/paper recycling container.<br />
If you have large quantities of paper to recycle, please contact Environmental Services (EVS) (402-559-4073) so they can provide you with a larger bin, making it easier for you and safer for your EVS colleague.


The recycling program at UNMC must comply with the federal requirement, in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), that all personal health information (PHI) be protected from the time it is created to the time it is destroyed. Recyclable paper containing confidential information is safeguarded from the time of generation through destruction. For guidelines on the proper destruction of confidential materials in the hospital, see IM.14, and UNMC Policy No. 6056, Retention and Destruction/Disposal of Private and Confidential Information. All paper waste, including medical and personal information, is considered confidential waste.<br />
EVS is responsible to secure, transport, and store confidential materials from internal customer departments. All paper in the blue containers marked specifically for recycling is considered confidential in the recycling process. Once picked up, this confidential waste is to be secured in locked containers provided by the vendor and locked containers should not be tampered with by unauthorized personnel. EVS will be the keepers of the keys for unlocking these containers and will have access to the contents of the containers through keys signed in and out daily in compliance with the Environmental Services Key Control Policy.
====Plastic and Metal====
====Plastic and Metal====
Recyclable material can include rigid plastic, tin or aluminum. These items should be placed in the green recycling bins. EVS will empty the bins, collect the waste and prepare it for disposal by the recycling vendor. See [https://livegreennebraska.com/recycling/ LiveGreen Recycling] for additional information.<br />
Recyclable material can include rigid plastic, tin or aluminum. These items should be placed in the green recycling bins. EVS will empty the bins, collect the waste and prepare it for disposal by the recycling vendor. See [https://livegreennebraska.com/recycling/ LiveGreen Recycling] for additional information.<br />
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*Appliances
*Appliances
*Equipment
*Equipment
These materials may be reused within the organization, sold or properly disposed of. Disposition of all surplus equipment shall be the responsibility of the Manager of General Supply/Furniture Stores (402-559-5899) and must be coordinated with the appropriate director or department head. Surplus equipment valued over $5,000 and entered in the UNMC Fixed Asset Inventory System must be handled in accordance with UNMC Policy No. 3000, [[General Accounting]].
These materials may be reused within the organization, sold or properly disposed of. The disposal of all surplus equipment shall be the responsibility of the Manager of General Supply/Furniture Stores (402-559-5899) and must be coordinated with the appropriate director or department head. Surplus equipment valued over $5,000 and entered in the UNMC Fixed Asset Inventory System must be handled in accordance with UNMC Policy No. 3000, [[General Accounting]].
====Technotrash====
====Technotrash====
Electronic trash, such as CD/DVD, barcode lab label printer ribbons, hard drives, and copiers are disposed of using an appropriate channel that can handle the chemical hazards of the item and taking into account the presence or absence of personal health information (PHI). Items containing PHI are disposed of in accordance with UNMC Policy No. 6056, [[Retention and Destruction/Disposal of Private and Confidential Information]]. <br />
Electronic trash, such as CD/DVD, barcode lab label printer ribbons, hard drives, and copiers are disposed of using an appropriate channel that can handle the chemical hazards of the item and taking into account the presence or absence of personal health information (PHI). Items containing PHI are disposed of in accordance with UNMC Policy No. 6056, [[Retention and Destruction/Disposal of Private and Confidential Information]]. <br />
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===Non-Recyclable Waste===
===Non-Recyclable Waste===
Non-recyclable waste is any waste, generated at UNMC that cannot be recycled.
Non-recyclable waste is any waste, generated at UNMC that cannot be recycled.
'''Glass'''
'''Contaminated''' glass should be placed into a sharp’s container.  If the glass is too large to place into a sharps container it should be placed in a cardboard box.  The cardboard box should then be sealed shut and placed in a red biohazard waste bin for proper disposal by EVS.
'''Uncontaminated''' glass should be placed in a cardboard box.  The cardboard box should then be sealed shut and labeled as “Glass/Trash”. Place the box near your general trash for proper disposal by EVS.
====Biohazardous Waste====
====Biohazardous Waste====
Biohazardous waste will be managed and disposed of in accordance with DOT, EPA, OSHA, and State of Nebraska Regulations. Biohazardous waste (infectious waste or medical waste) is waste contaminated with biological material that is infectious or potentially infectious to humans, animals, or plants. Materials contaminated with recombinant and synthetic nucleic acids, as well as genetically modified organisms are also considered biohazardous. Please contact EVS at (402-559-4073) for biohazardous waste containers. Disposable sharps containers must be purchased by the department.
Biohazardous waste will be managed and disposed of in accordance with DOT, EPA, OSHA, and State of Nebraska Regulations. Biohazardous waste (infectious waste or medical waste) is waste contaminated with biological material that is infectious or potentially infectious to humans, animals, or plants. Materials contaminated with recombinant and synthetic nucleic acids, as well as genetically modified organisms are also considered biohazardous. Please contact EVS at (402-559-4073) for biohazardous waste containers. Disposable sharps containers must be purchased by the department.
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'''All biohazardous waste must be rendered non-infectious prior to final disposal per State law [http://deq.ne.gov/RuleAndR.nsf/pages/PDF/%24FILE/T132_5.17.16.pdf (NDEQ Title 132)].'''   
'''All biohazardous waste must be rendered non-infectious prior to final disposal per State law [http://deq.ne.gov/RuleAndR.nsf/pages/PDF/%24FILE/T132_5.17.16.pdf (NDEQ Title 132)].'''   
=====Liquid Biohazardous Waste=====
=====Liquid Biohazardous Waste=====
Decontaminate liquid biohazardous waste (such as human blood, aspirated culture media, infectious human or animal body fluids, and liquid bacterial cultures) by steam sterilization (i.e. autoclave) or treatment with an appropriate chemical disinfectant (such as freshly-prepared bleach) for the recommended contact time (20 minutes for 1:10 final dilution with bleach). After decontamination, liquids may be poured down the drain to the sanitary sewer while flushing with cold water. See [sehttps://www.unmc.edu/ehs/FactSheets/SanitarySewerDisposal.pdf Sewer Disposal Fact Sheet] for guidance. Please note: solutions containing biological toxins must be decontaminated in a manner that also inactivates the toxin. Contact Environmental Health & Safety Department (EHS) at 402-559-6356 prior to drain disposal if using disinfectants other than bleach.
Decontaminate liquid biohazardous waste (such as human blood, aspirated culture media, infectious human or animal body fluids, and liquid bacterial cultures) by steam sterilization (i.e. autoclave) or treatment with an appropriate chemical disinfectant (such as freshly prepared bleach) for the recommended contact time (20 minutes for 1:10 final dilution with bleach). After decontamination, liquids may be poured down the drain to the sanitary sewer while flushing with cold water. See [sehttps://www.unmc.edu/ehs/FactSheets/SanitarySewerDisposal.pdf Sewer Disposal Fact Sheet] for guidance. Please note solutions containing biological toxins must be decontaminated in a manner that also inactivates the toxin. Contact Environmental Health & Safety Department (EHS) at 402-559-6356 prior to drain disposal if using disinfectants other than bleach.
=====Solid Biohazardous Waste=====
=====Solid Biohazardous Waste=====
Solid biohazardous waste is composed of two broad categories to include sharps and non-sharps.   
Solid biohazardous waste is composed of two broad categories to include sharps and non-sharps.   
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*Pipettes and pipette tips readily puncture biohazard waste bags and must be disposed of in a rigid container (biohazard bag lined cardboard box). Lining pipette disposal box with plastic keeps residual liquids from soaking the box and seeping onto the floor/counter. Once pipette disposal boxes are full, they must be taped shut and placed into biohazard waste bin.           
*Pipettes and pipette tips readily puncture biohazard waste bags and must be disposed of in a rigid container (biohazard bag lined cardboard box). Lining pipette disposal box with plastic keeps residual liquids from soaking the box and seeping onto the floor/counter. Once pipette disposal boxes are full, they must be taped shut and placed into biohazard waste bin.           
======Non-Sharps======
======Non-Sharps======
*Solid (non-sharps) biohazardous waste including contaminated disposable PPE, culture materials, samples, specimens, shall be placed into tear-resistant, leak-proof, and secured red biohazard bags to prevent leakage or expulsion of solid or liquid waste during storage, handling or transport. Bags will meet current tear and impact resistance requirements will conform to current maximum size and weight restrictions and will be labeled with the universal biohazard symbol (reference requirements in 49 CFR 173.134, 49 CFR 173.197, 49 CFR 173.24, 49 CFR 173.24a). The top of the inner bag must be closed by twisting and tying in a single knot. The infectious waste bags should be placed directly into rigid reusable containers supplied by the waste contractor at the site of waste generation.  
 
* Solid (non-sharps) biohazardous waste including contaminated disposable PPE, culture materials, samples, specimens, shall be placed into     tear-resistant, leak-proof, and secured red biohazard bags to prevent leakage or expulsion of solid or liquid waste during storage, handling or transport. Bags will meet current tear and impact resistance requirements will conform to current maximum size and weight restrictions and will be labeled with the universal biohazard symbol (reference requirements in 49 CFR 173.134, 49 CFR 173.197, 49 CFR 173.24, 49 CFR 173.24a). The top of the inner bag must be closed by twisting and tying in a single knot. The infectious waste bags should be placed directly into rigid reusable containers supplied by the waste contractor at the site of waste generation.
 
=====Special Circumstances in Handling Biohazardous Waste=====
=====Special Circumstances in Handling Biohazardous Waste=====
*Before generating any biohazardous waste that requires incineration, contact EHS.  
*Before generating any biohazardous waste that requires incineration, contact EHS.  
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*Biohazardous waste that is decontaminated on-site via steam sterilization (i.e., autoclave) before disposal must undergo a process that includes quality assurance testing to verify that the decontamination process is adequate. Please see the IBC Autoclave Operation and Safety policy for additional information.   
*Biohazardous waste that is decontaminated on-site via steam sterilization (i.e., autoclave) before disposal must undergo a process that includes quality assurance testing to verify that the decontamination process is adequate. Please see the IBC Autoclave Operation and Safety policy for additional information.   
*Biohazardous waste that has been mixed with a radioactive material or a regulated chemical (mixed waste) requires additional guidelines for disposal. Contact EHS prior to generating these types of waste.
*Biohazardous waste that has been mixed with a radioactive material or a regulated chemical (mixed waste) requires additional guidelines for disposal. Contact EHS prior to generating these types of waste.
======Extracted Teeth======
======Dental Waste======
Extracted Teeth at the College of Dentistry are handled as follows:
Dental waste including extracted teeth, amalgam, old x-ray film, please contact UNMC EHS at 402-559-6356 for proper disposal guidance.
*Virgin teeth are placed into a sharps container and disposed of as biohazardous waste.
*Teeth with gold restoration are placed into a sharps container and eventually sent to a gold recovery company.
*Teeth with amalgam restoration are placed into a sharps container and eventually picked up and handled as hazardous waste by UNL Environmental Health and Safety due to the mercury content.
*Extracted teeth stored at the College of Dentistry for use by students in pre-clinic laboratory are stored in dilute hypochlorite solution (generally a 1:10 dilution). This leaches the mercury from the restorations and the solution is picked up by UNL Environmental Health and Safety when the teeth are disposed of at the end of the year.
=====Shipping Biohazardous Waste=====
=====Shipping Biohazardous Waste=====
Prior to transport off campus, all biohazardous waste will be placed in covered, leak-proof containers designated for biohazardous waste. These containers will be clearly marked and labeled in accordance with DOT and OSHA regulatory requirements. Only trained and certified individuals shall sign Regulated Medical Waste (biohazardous) transport shipping papers. <br />
Before transport off campus, all biohazardous waste will be placed in covered, leak-proof containers designated for biohazardous waste. These containers will be clearly marked and labeled in accordance with DOT and OSHA regulatory requirements. Only trained and certified individuals shall sign Regulated Medical Waste (biohazardous) transport shipping papers.
 
These individuals are signing for the organization and, as such, are not held financially responsible for any penalties or fines that may be imposed by regulatory agencies (e.g., OSHA, DOT, etc.) so long as they are acting reasonably and consistent with their training. For information on training, please contact EHS at (402) 559-6356.


These individuals are signing for the organization and as such are not held financially responsible for any penalties or fines that may be imposed by regulatory agencies (i.e., OSHA, DOT, etc.) so long as they are acting in a reasonable manner, consistent with their training. For information on training, please contact EHS at (402) 559-6356.<br />
Biohazardous waste is disposed of through a licensed biohazardous waste contractor. The final disposal of biohazardous waste is in accordance with all applicable local, state and federal regulations and applies a process that renders the biohazardous waste non-infectious. For further questions, please contact EHS.


Biohazardous waste is disposed of through a licensed biohazardous waste contractor. Final disposal of biohazardous waste is in accordance with all applicable local, state and federal regulations and applies a process which renders the biohazardous waste non-infectious. For further questions, please contact EHS.
====Chemical Waste====
====Chemical Waste====
Chemical waste is any chemical or chemical material that is used or no longer needed and destined for disposal. Chemicals and chemical materials are disposed of in accordance with the EPA regulations. UNMC is also required by EPA to have a [https://www.unmc.edu/ehs/_documents/UNMCWasteMinimizationPlan10_2018.pdf Waste Minimization Plan] for hazardous waste. Use the [https://www.unmc.edu/ehs/FactSheets/ChemicalDisposal.pdf Chemical Disposal Fact Sheet] for guidance on disposing chemicals. For information on some specific chemical waste streams, please see the [https://www.unmc.edu/ehs/chemical-safety/hazardous-materials-fact-sheets.html Hazardous Material Fact Sheets]. Nebraska Public Service Laboratory waste will be handled per internal guidelines and chain-of-custody requirements. For additional information on chemical disposal, please contact EHS at (402-559-6356).   
Chemical waste is any chemical or chemical material that is used or no longer needed and destined for disposal. Chemicals and chemical materials are disposed of in accordance with the EPA regulations. EPA also requires UNMC to have a [https://www.unmc.edu/ehs/_documents/UNMCWasteMinimizationPlan10_2018.pdf Waste Minimization Plan] for hazardous waste. Use the [https://www.unmc.edu/ehs/FactSheets/ChemicalDisposal.pdf Chemical Disposal Fact] Sheet for guidance on disposing of chemicals. Please see the Hazardous Material Fact Sheets for information on some specific chemical waste streams. Nebraska Public Service Laboratory waste will be handled per internal guidelines and chain-of-custody requirements. For additional information on chemical disposal, please contact EHS at (402-559-6356).   
=====Liquid Chemical Waste=====
=====Liquid Chemical Waste=====
Certain non-hazardous liquid chemicals can be disposed to the sanitary sewer. Please see the Hazardous Material Fact Sheet [https://www.unmc.edu/ehs/FactSheets/SanitarySewerDisposal.pdf Sanitary Sewer Disposal] for a list of these chemicals. All other liquid chemicals and chemical waste must be tagged and given to EHS for proper disposal.
Certain non-hazardous liquid chemicals can be disposed to the sanitary sewer. Please see the Hazardous Material Fact Sheet [https://www.unmc.edu/ehs/FactSheets/SanitarySewerDisposal.pdf Sanitary Sewer Disposal] for a list of these chemicals. All other liquid chemicals and chemical waste must be tagged and given to EHS for proper disposal.
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