Hazardous Materials Management (HMM) is responsible for the collection and proper disposal of chemical, radioactive, and biological waste generated throughout the 27 million square feet of facilities during teaching, research, and clinical operations at the Ann Arbor campus. The HMM Program supports the University community by providing professional services and oversight.

Technical Support / Training
HMM provides technical support and training to the University community on proper labeling, packaging, and manifesting of biological, chemical, and radioactive waste in compliance with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Department of Transportation, Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and Michigan Act 451 regulations. Strict compliance with these regulations ensures the waste is managed, transported, and disposed of properly while reducing potential liability to the University. HMM provides Emergency Response/ Incident Command Training to units within the University.

Emergency Response
HMM staff comprise the core of the UM Emergency Response Team (ERT). The ERT ensures that hazardous material spills are cleaned up correctly to reduce the potential of personal exposure and environmental contamination. The ERT is on-call 24 hours a day to coordinate the cleanup of accidental spills and releases of chemical, radioactive, and biological materials. HMM also provides technical support to the UM Health System Emergency Room staff during treatment of patients who may have been exposed to hazardous materials.

The proper management of hazardous chemical, biological, radio­active, and non-classified waste is required to comply with state and federal regulations and promote environmental stewardship. HMM collects the waste from thousands of laboratories, Plant Operations maintenance areas, construction sites, and health clinics across campus. HMM staff perform segregation, re-packaging, processing, and other management procedures prior to disposal/recycling.

Chemical Waste

• Chemical Waste and U
• Helpful Hints for Preparing Chemical Waste for Collection
• Environment, Health, Safety and Waste Minimization Programs
• Proper Waste Management of Solvent Contaminated Wipes
• "P" Listed Hazardous Waste Codes
• "U" Listed Hazardous Waste Codes

Radioactive Waste

• Proper Segregation and Disposal of Low-level Radioactive Wastes (LLRW) at the University of Michigan
• Helpful Hints for Preparing Low-Level Radioactive Waste for Collection
• Liquid Scintillation Fluid - Approved by Radiation Safety Service

Biohazardous/Medical Waste

• Waste Disposal - Biomedical

Packaging Waste

• Waste Disposal Supplies
• Waste Packaging Instructions for (pick-up)

In-Line Waste Instructions

• In-Line Waste Flyer
• In-Line Waste Instructions
• In-line Waste Instructional PowerPoint
• In-Line Cap Poster
• In-line Drum Poster

U-M Building EPA ID Number

• EPA ID Locator
• EPA ID Building List

Past HMM Articles from the OSEH Update

• Approved Liquid Scintillation Cocktails
• Chemical Reactivity Worksheet
• Chemical Spills
• Disposal of Radioactive Sharps
• Hazardous Waste Disposal Fact Sheet
• Liquid Scintillation Vial Selection and Disposal
• Mixed Waste – Generation and Minimization
• Proper Selection of Hazardous Waste Containers
• Working Safely with Biological Wastes

Miscellaneous

• Refrigerant Management

Special Projects
Innovative research performed throughout the University presents challenging waste management opportunities. Mixtures of chemicals or hazardous materials generated during research experiments must be managed in unique and proficient ways prior to disposal. HMM assists University units in developing waste management programs for projects that unexpectedly encounter potentially hazardous work environments. HMM provides waste disposal evaluations and develops waste management programs for non-research activities at the University that require proper disposal evaluations.

Permits and Reports
HMM maintains University regulatory compliance by updating a myriad of permits and reports each year. The permits and reports demand diligent attention to maintain compliance with changing regulatory requirements. The Biennial Report to the US EPA is a major compliance document that details the University’s extensive variety of hazardous waste streams. HMM also interacts with regulatory agency staff during routine inspections as well as reviewing proposed legislation that could potentially impact the University’s procedures for waste management.