سياسة التخلص من النفايات الخطرة

Contents

1. Policy statement and purpose

2. Legal framework and mandate

3. Scope and applicability

4. Responsibilities and prohibited conduct

5. Hazardous waste management procedures

6. Protection and reporting

7. Monitoring and review

1. Policy statement and purpose

1.1. Qassim University is committed to upholding the highest standards of environmental stewardship, public health, and safety, in full compliance with the laws and strategic directives of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

1.2. This document — Qassim University’s policy on hazardous waste disposal (hereinafter: Policy) — establishes a comprehensive framework for the safe and environmentally sound management of hazardous waste generated across the university, its associated facilities, and by its contractors.

1.3. This Policy is central to the university’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically:

• SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production — by ensuring that waste generation is reduced, and hazardous waste is managed safely and responsibly;
• SDG 15 Life on Land — by preventing environmental contamination that could harm ecosystems and biodiversity.

1.4. The Policy adopts the principle of Environmentally Sound Management (ESM), which includes taking all practicable steps to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of hazardous waste.

2. Legal framework and mandate

2.1. This Policy is established in alignment with the highest legal and strategic directives of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which prioritise environmental protection and sustainability. These directives are listed below in this section.

2.2. Saudi Vision 2030 — Supports the national objectives of environmental sustainability and the shift towards a circular carbon economy, which includes ambitious targets for waste reduction, recycling, resource recovery, and the safe disposal of industrial and municipal waste.

2.3. Waste Management Law (Royal Decree, August 2021) — This law governs all aspects of waste management and mandates specific responsibilities for waste producers:

• Waste producers must rationalise the use of materials, reuse products, reduce waste, and store and sort waste in designated areas for reuse or recycling;
• No waste management-related activity may be conducted without a licence or permit from the National Centre for Waste Management (MWAN);
• Importing or bringing hazardous waste into the Kingdom is prohibited without obtaining a licence;
• Waste producers and service providers bear civil and criminal liability for any harm or danger to the environment, public health, or safety.

2.4. Law of Management of Chemical Substances — Regulates the import, export, transport, and management of chemical substances; entities managing chemical substances must comply with safe transportation methods and proper container specifications.

2.5. General Environmental Regulations and Rules for Implementation — Prohibits the direct or indirect contamination of surface, ground, and coastal waters, and mandates the preservation of soil and land; specifies that those in charge of hazardous waste management must comply with procedures and controls set forth in the rules for implementation.

3. Scope and applicability

3.1. This Policy applies universally to all colleges, deanships, academic departments, research centres, and administrative units affiliated with Qassim University.

3.2. This Policy covers all individuals and entities involved in the generation, handling, storage, or transport of hazardous waste within the university’s jurisdiction, including:

• Faculty and staff (including research and laboratory personnel);
• Students (including those involved in research, practicals, and projects);
• External contractors and service providers (including construction, maintenance, and waste transport contractors);
• Applicants and visitors to relevant facilities.

3.3. Hazardous waste is defined as any solid, liquid, or gaseous waste material or substance that, due to its physical, chemical, or infectious characteristics, may pose a risk to human health or the environment when improperly handled. This includes, but is not limited to, chemical waste, infectious waste, radioactive materials, and electronic waste (e-waste).

4. Responsibilities and prohibited conduct

4.1. All personnel who generate or handle hazardous waste must:

• Be familiar with the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) / Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for all chemicals in their area;
• Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when dealing with hazardous materials or waste;
• Complete all mandatory training on hazardous waste handling and emergency procedures;
• Reduce waste generation at the source by maintaining proper chemical inventories, ordering only what is needed, and substituting non-hazardous chemicals where feasible.

4.2. Prohibited conduct includes:

• Disposing of any hazardous waste down sinks, drains, or in the general trash;
• Mixing incompatible wastes or mixing hazardous waste with non-hazardous waste;
• Using containers that are not tightly closing, leak-proof, or are incompatible with the waste material (e.g., corrosives in metal containers);
• Removing hazardous waste from the laboratory or generating area without authorisation from the designated Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Officer.

5. Hazardous waste management procedures

5.1. Hazardous waste must be segregated by hazard class (e.g., non-chlorinated flammable solvents, halogenated solvents, acids, inorganic wastes) at the point of generation to prevent dangerous reactions and minimise disposal costs.

5.2. Waste must be collected in designated, properly labelled containers and kept closed except when adding waste. Containers must be in good condition and free of external spillage.

5.3. All hazardous waste containers must be clearly labelled with a warning label (in English and Arabic). The label must list the specific contents with chemical names. Abbreviations should be avoided even if they are very common.

5.4. A current written chemical inventory must be maintained for each location, including material name, quantity, hazard characteristic (e.g., flammable, toxic), and expiration date.

5.5. Hazardous waste should be stored in laboratories or designated accumulation areas where it is generated, under the supervision of the person responsible. Storage areas must be clearly labelled (in English and Arabic), secured, and regularly audited.

5.6. Waste containers must not be stored on the floor or in areas where a spill could enter the drainage system or environment.

5.7. Only the designated EHS Officer or other licensed personnel are authorised to remove hazardous waste from the accumulation areas.

5.8. Transportation of hazardous waste must use vehicles that conform with MWAN standards, carry appropriate warning labels, and ensure all required documentation is available.

5.9. All hazardous waste must be sent to licensed and approved third-party facilities by the National Centre for Waste Management (MWAN) that adhere to the disposal methods set by the MWAN.

5.10. Disposal methods shall prioritise recycling and resource recovery while adhering to safety standards.

6. Protection and reporting

6.1. The university maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination or retaliation against any individual who, in good faith, reports a suspected policy breach, participates in an investigation, or acts as a witness. Retaliation is a separate, severe disciplinary offence.

6.2. Any suspected breach of this Policy or instance of improper waste handling should be reported immediately through the designated confidential channels.

6.3. All reports and complaints will be subject to a prompt, objective, and impartial investigation.

6.4. Any individual found to have violated this Policy will face appropriate disciplinary action and / or reporting to governmental bodies for legal action, according to the laws of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

7. Monitoring and review

7.1. The university shall regularly monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to waste generation, the efficiency of segregation, and the nature and resolution rate of complaints.

7.2. This Policy shall be reviewed every two years by the University Council to ensure its continued effectiveness and alignment with national legislation and international best practices.

7.3. The President of Qassim University holds the ultimate responsibility for the implementation and enforcement of this Policy.