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Hazardous Materials Management

Hazardous Materials Management

Hazardous, biological, and universal waste disposal is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) through federal and state regulations that focus on preventing harm to the public, water, land, and air. Hazardous Materials Management (HMM) is responsible for managing Chemical, Biological, and Universal waste under the Solid Waste Rules. Chemical waste is regulated by rules 40 CFR 260 – 265 , 40 CFR 268, 30 TAC 335, and Department of Transportation (DOT) 49 CFR 171-180. Biological Waste is regulated by the Texas Department of State Health Services with disposal covered by TCEQ in 30 TAC 326 . All hazardous, biological and universal waste generated at UTSA facilities will be collected and managed under the Chemical Waste Management Plan and Biological Waste Management Plan. Radiation waste is regulated by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission and on UTSA campus is managed by the Lab Safety Division (LSD).

Policies & Standards

The University of Texas at San Antonio is a "Large Quantity Generator" of hazardous waste and as such is registered through EPA and TCEQ with its unique Generator Registration I.D.s. Hazardous Materials Management will assist any department in determining its hazardous waste disposal needs and manage them according to their requirements.

Generators are responsible for following the University waste management protocols and ensuring that all waste generators are properly trained in management of their hazardous waste. UTSA HOP 10.16 Hazardous Waste Management Program provides guidelines for the administration of UTSA’s Hazardous Waste Management Program.

Submit your request for pickup of hazardous waste here


Removal of Hazardous Waste

Chemical Waste  

In order to ensure proper management of hazardous waste, HMM routinely monitors laboratories known to generate chemical waste/sharps containers and make waste collections on a daily basis. This waste is then transported to the West Campus Central Accumulation area for storage and disposal via a licensed third-party disposal contract company. It is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator (PI) for each laboratory to manage and dispose of hazardous waste in compatible waste containers that can be provided by HMM (See, Provided Supplies). HMM policies for hazardous waste management can be found in the Chemical Waste Management plan.

Some consideration when managing hazardous waste in the labs:
  • All hazardous waste must be housed in the labs SAA (See SAA below) within secondary containment.
  • All hazardous waste must be held in a compatible container.
  • All hazardous waste must have a hazardous waste label affixed the minute waste enters a container, or when it is deemed a waste.
  • All hazardous waste known to form peroxides must be properly labeled (see Chemical Hygiene Plan).
    HMM does not pick up unknown waste.
For information regarding hazardous waste please see the guides below:
Biological Waste  
Universal Waste  
Satellite Accumulation Area  
Penalties of Noncompliance  
Provided Supplies  
FAQs  

Contact Staff

Richard M. Garza

Assistant Director

Laboratory Safety & Hazardous Materials Management
Richard.Garza@utsa.edu
Keith Slater

Hazardous Materials Management Coordinator

Expertise: Hazardous Materials
Keith.Slater@utsa.edu
Luke Salazar

Hazardous Materials Management Specialist III

Expertise: Hazardous Materials
Luke.Salazar@utsa.edu
Yulissa Stevens

Hazardous Materials Management Specialist I

Expertise: Hazardous Materials
Yulissa.Stevens@utsa.edu