Hazardous Waste Policy

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NSU HAZARDOUS WASTE POLICY (SDG 15)

(Supporting Sustainable Development Goal 15 – Life on Land)

Executive Summary
This policy defines Navoi State University’s (NSU) systematic approach to the safe handling, storage, treatment, and disposal of hazardous waste. It ensures that all hazardous materials produced by laboratories, workshops, offices, and maintenance units are managed responsibly, protecting human health and the environment while supporting SDG 15 – Life on Land.
Objective            
Summary
Purpose
To establish procedures and responsibilities for the safe management of hazardous materials, minimizing environmental pollution and ensuring legal compliance.
Scope
Applies to all NSU laboratories, departments, dormitories, clinics, and external contractors handling hazardous substances.
Alignment
Aligned with Uzbekistan’s environmental protection laws and SDG 15 indicators on waste and ecosystem protection.
1. Purpose and Scope
The policy aims to prevent contamination of soil, water, and air by hazardous materials used or produced within the university. It ensures compliance with national and international safety standards and promotes a culture of environmental accountability among staff and students.
The scope includes:
  • Chemical and biological waste from laboratories.
  • Electronic waste (batteries, circuits, devices).
  • Medical and sanitary waste from health units.
  • Toxic and flammable materials from maintenance workshops.
2. Policy Principles
Principle
Implementation at NSU
Prevention First
Avoid generating hazardous waste where possible.
Segregation
Separate hazardous waste from general waste at the source.
Safe Handling
Use proper labeling, containers, and PPE.
Compliance
Follow national and university safety and disposal regulations.
3. Implementation Plan (2025–2030)
Action Area
Key Activities
Responsible Department
Laboratory Waste
Collect, label, and store hazardous materials safely.
Science and Chemistry Departments
Disposal System
Coordinate with licensed waste disposal contractors.
Facilities Management
Training
Conduct annual safety workshops.
Health & Safety Department
Reporting
Maintain digital waste logs and incident reports.
Green Campus Committee
4. Monitoring, Evaluation and KPIs
Indicator
Baseline
Target
Frequency
Volume of hazardous waste (kg/year)
2024 baseline
30% reduction by 2030
Annual
Number of safety incidents
2024 records
Zero incidents by 2030
Quarterly
Compliance rate with disposal protocols
70%
100% by 2027
Annual
5. Financial Framework
Funding Source
Use
Example
NSU Sustainability Fund
Annual purchase of safety equipment.
Chemical-resistant containers.
Research Grants
Funding for improved waste management systems.
Hazardous waste tracking app.
Partnerships
Co-financing safe disposal.
Joint initiatives with local waste services.
6. Awareness and Engagement
Training and awareness are key to reducing risks associated with hazardous waste. All staff and students involved in handling such materials will receive safety training and guidance on emergency procedures.
Awareness campaigns will promote responsible behavior and safe waste disposal in laboratories, workshops, and dormitories.
7. Governance and Responsibilities
Unit
Role
Reporting To
Green Campus Committee
Oversee implementation and audits.
Rector
Health & Safety Department
Ensure staff compliance and safety checks.
Vice-Rector for Infrastructure
Procurement Department
Ensure suppliers follow waste handling protocols.
Vice-Rector for Finance
Laboratory Supervisors
Enforce labeling and segregation rules.
Dean of Faculty
8. Review and References
The Hazardous Waste Policy will be reviewed every three years to ensure alignment with new scientific standards, government regulations, and sustainability targets.
References:
  • UN SDG 15 – Life on Land.
  • Law on Environmental Protection (Republic of Uzbekistan, 2021).
  • NSU Sustainability and Waste Management Strategy (2024–2030).
• International Chemical Safety Guidelines (WHO, 2023).

Navoi State University • Green Campus Initiative • Contact: sustainability@nsuni.uz