8023
12/04

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

INTRODUCTION

It is essential that Fermilab manage its solid waste responsibly.  This chapter describes how Fermilab will manage its solid waste in compliance with applicable regulation in a manner that protects human health and the environment.  Fermilab has established a recycling program to collect white office paper, mixed office paper, cardboard, scrap metal, electronic components and laser printer cartridges. Receptacles are placed in appropriate locations to collect these materials. Scrap metal is screened for radiation prior to pickup from the collection point and also before leaving the site from the railhead staging area.

DEFINITION

Solid waste for purposes of this subchapter is defined as non-regulated waste. It includes scrap metal and office materials for recycling and general refuse disposed of in an offsite landfill.

SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1. The Facilities Engineering Services Section (FESS) is responsible for maintaining the refuse removal contract and the supervision of contractor custodial staff that collects waste from various offices and shops throughout the Laboratory.
2. Division/Sections have the responsibility to insure that no unauthorized wastes (i.e., regulated) are placed in dumpsters. A dumpster check program is administered by the Safety & Environmental Protection (S&EP) Group of the ES&H Section to verify that no such violations occur. S&EP personnel accompany the contracted waste removal vehicle during the emptying or pickup of dumpsters. The contents of all dumpsters are surveyed for radioactivity and screened for hazardous, liquid and other unauthorized wastes before being emptied into the contractor’s vehicle. If radioactive, hazardous or other unauthorized waste is found in a dumpster, the dumpster is locked out to prevent it from being emptied. The responsible division or section shall then be notified to remove the unauthorized waste from the dumpster. The dumpster will remain locked out until the unauthorized material is removed.
3. Division/Section construction coordinators or task managers are responsible for monitoring the disposition of non-regulated waste generated by contractor personnel during onsite construction and demolition projects.