12.2 – Operational Measures

12.2.3 – Policy Waste Disposal – Hazardous Materials

UKM Guidelines for Disposal of Scheduled Waste Chemical Waste, Empty Bottles and Glassware

UKM also owns policies, processes and practices for waste disposal that cover toxic materials. For chemical waste, UKM adheres to the guidelines on the disposal of scheduled chemical waste, empty bottles, and glass equipment set by the UKM Occupational Health and Safety Center (ROSH). Effective date for the Guidelines on the Disposal of Scheduled Chemical Waste, Empty Bottles, and Glass Equipment (UKM-SPKPPP-PT(P)07-ROSH-AK04-GP01) is 01/01/2023.

The Risk, Occupational Safety & Health Management Center (ROSH-UKM) is responsible for regulating occupational safety and health aspects and managing scheduled waste in UKM. The use of chemicals from the rapid teaching and research activities at UKM causes this scheduled waste to be constantly generated from teaching and research laboratories. Apart from that, service processes such as changing fluorescent lights and the use of computers, printers and other electrical and electronic materials also produce scheduled waste. Since this scheduled waste can cause danger to humans, animals and the environment, the correct and safe way of handling is necessary to ensure the safety and health of all operators of this scheduled waste is always guaranteed and the environment is preserved.

Strict regulations and policies, often set by governmental bodies, are essential to ensure that toxic waste is managed according to safety standards. These regulations help prevent pollution of air, water, and soil and safeguard ecosystems and communities from contamination. In Malaysia, scheduled waste management is managed in accordance with the Environmental Quality (Emendement) 2012 (Act A1441), published on 16 August 2012 under the Environmental Quality (Scheduled Waste) Regulations 2005 (Act A1441)(P.U(A)294/2005), published on 15 August 2005.  It involves several stages: identifying and classifying toxic materials, developing strategies for reducing the production of hazardous waste, and ensuring proper containment, recycling, and disposal of these substances. Figure 3.11.3 shows regulation on toxic waste management under Environmental Quality (Scheduled Waste) Regulations 2005 that are followed at UKM.

Environmental Quality (Amendment) 2012 (Act A1441):

Environmental Quality (Scheduled Waste) Regulations 2005 (Act A1441)(P.U(A)294/2005):

In Malaysia, scheduled waste management is managed in accordance with the Environmental Quality (Emendement) 2012 under the Environmental Quality (Scheduled Waste) Regulations 2005.

Section 49A: “Competent Person” as shown below:

An owner or occupier of a premise shall employ a person who has been certified by the Director General as   a competent person to conduct all or any of the following activities: 

(a) the operation of control equipment. 
(b) the management of scheduled wastes. 
(c) the conduct of studies. 
(d) the preparation and submission of reports, plans, proposals, engineering drawings or other documents relating to environmental matters.

As stated in Environmental Quality (Emendement) 2012 under the Environmental Quality (Scheduled Waste) Regulations 2005, Section 49A: every premise is required to appoint a competent person for toxic waste management. UKM has appointed a competent person in charge for toxic waste management in UKM as shown below:

Thus, all reporting related to scheduled waste begins with notification, inventory and consignment notes reported to the Department of Environment Malaysia through the Electronic Scheduled Waste Information System (eSWIS) as shown below:

Toxic Waste Management in UKM

Provides an overview of the Toxic Waste Handling Process at UKM. It outlines the step-by-step procedure that Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) follows for handling toxic waste, as per the guidelines outlined by Risk Management, Occupational Safety and Health (ROSH-UKM). Its start with ROSH-UKM prepares and distributes the toxic waste disposal schedule and labels to all relevant departments (PTJ) and contractors. Departments collect chemical waste, empty bottles, and glassware at designated collection points. Waste containers are labeled according to regulatory codes, and relevant documentation is completed. The PTJ submits completed disposal summary forms to ROSH-UKM, detailing the types and amounts of waste. Departments ensure that the waste is securely packaged, following protective measures. Contractors collect the waste and transport it to UKM’s temporary storage facilities. Next, the authorized contractors transport the waste to licensed disposal facilities for final disposal, following environmental safety standards.

According to the Environmental Quality (Scheduled Waste) Regulations 2005, scheduled waste can be stored for 180 days or less after its generation provided that the quantity of scheduled waste accumulated on site shall not exceed 20 metric tonnes. In compliance with the stated regulations, ROSH-UKM provides a disposal schedule for the collection and packaging of scheduled waste at designated locations in each department involved.

• For chemical waste, the frequency of this process is four times a year with an interval of three months for each campus. 
• While biological waste, the frequency of the disposal process is once every two weeks.
• Disposal of fluorescent lamps will be managed by the Infrastructure Development Department and electrical and electronic waste will be managed by the Assets Division; Treasurer’s Department based on waste generation. The disposal location for each type of waste is as set by the Department of Environment, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability.

Toxic Waste Collection

Toxic waste collection at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is a critical component of the university’s commitment to environmental sustainability and public safety. Toxic waste, which includes hazardous materials such as chemicals from laboratories, medical waste, and electronic waste (e-waste), is carefully managed to prevent contamination of the environment and safeguard the health of the campus community. Figure below shows toxic waste collection activities in UKM.

Toxic waste bin for biological waste	Biological waste truck facilities at UKM Bangi.
Fluorescent lamp waste collection at UKM Bangi.	Officers from ROSH-UKM monitor the chemical waste collection at UKM Bangi.
Toxic waste collection at UKM Bangi.

All scheduled waste generated at UKM is collected and stored in the UKM Scheduled Waste Store at Faculty Science and Technology UKM Bangi as shown below

Toxic Waste Labelling

Toxic waste labeling at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) plays a vital role in ensuring the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials. Proper labeling is essential for identifying toxic substances and communicating critical information about their risks, which helps prevent accidents, health hazards, and environmental contamination.

In addition to basic identification, toxic waste labels at UKM include hazard symbols and precautionary measures to be taken during handling, transportation, and storage. Proper labeling also ensures compliance with waste management regulations and facilitates the traceability of hazardous materials from their point of origin to final disposal. Figure shows toxic waste labelling activities in UKM. Figure shows the suggested improvements from ROSH UKM for enhancing the toxic waste handling procedures. These recommendations aim to optimize safety, compliance and efficiency in managing toxic waste on campus.

Electronic waste (e-waste) in UKM is also managed by ROSH according to the University Movable Asset Disposal Management Guideline. Additionally, UKM complies with the Environmental Quality (Scheduled Wastes) Regulations 2005 as shown in Figure below

Toxic Waste Transfer To Third Party

The transfer of toxic waste to third-party waste management companies at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is a carefully regulated process designed to ensure the safe and compliant disposal of hazardous materials. UKM works with licensed third-party waste disposal companies that specialize in handling, treating, and disposing of toxic waste according to national and international environmental and safety regulations. such as Cenviro Sdn. Bhd (LINK).

UKM Certificate on toxic waste proper disposal as evidence that UKM follows the proper handling  and treatment process toward toxic waste in UKM Bangi.

ROSH Meeting, Improvement Process and Training

Toxic waste training at UKM is an essential part of the university’s comprehensive approach to ensuring the safe management of hazardous materials across its campus. The training programs are designed to educate and equip staff, researchers and students who handle toxic substances with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage, store, and dispose of hazardous waste safely, thereby minimizing health risks and environmental harm. List of the meeting, improvement process and training in 2023 is shown in Table.

List of meetings and training that are compulsory for the ROSH department.

No	Subject	Date
1	Scheduled Waste Packaging Work Performance Evaluation Meeting (Chemical Waste) Year 2022 & Task Coordination Year 2023	10 January 2023
2	Scheduled Waste Disposal Work Performance Evaluation Meeting (Chemical Waste) Year 2022 & Coordination of Tasks Year 2023	2 February 2023
3	UKM Scheduled Waste Management Briefing	20 March 2023
4	Scheduled Waste Management Feedback Session with Person In charge	29 January 2024
5	Scheduled Waste Packaging Work Performance Evaluation Meeting (Chemical Waste) Year 2023 & Task Coordination Year 2024	6 February 2024
6	Scheduled Waste Disposal Work Performance Evaluation Meeting (Chemical Waste) Year 2023 & Task Coordination Year 2024	16 February 2024

UKM’s Safety Program aims to create a safe work environment for staff and students through a safe work culture. It is implemented by the Occupational Safety and Health Committee at the University, Faculty, and College level which is responsible for supervising safety and reviewing related policies. This program also establishes the role of Incident Officers to monitor security in their respective zones. UKM has prepared detailed notifications documentation on toxic waste management to each center and faculty at UKM.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) provides clear documentation on toxic waste management to ensure the safe, compliant, and transparent handling of hazardous materials across the campus. This documentation serves as a comprehensive record of all activities related to the generation, storage, transportation, and disposal of toxic waste, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and regulatory standards. The list of the toxic waste management documentation is shown below.

List of toxic management documentation  in UKM

Hazardous Waste Disposal Work Instruction  – UKM-SPKPPP-PT(P)07-ROSH-AK04
Scheduled Disposal Guidelines for Chemical Waste	Scheduled Disposal Guidelines for Biological Waste
Occupational Health And Safety Handbook (LINK)	Chapter 10: Hazardous Waste Management