The department, in performing its duties under this chapter, shall do all of the following:
(a)
Coordinate research and development regarding methods of hazardous waste handling, storage, use, processing, and disposal and may conduct appropriate studies relating to hazardous wastes.
(b)
Maintain a technical reference center on hazardous waste management practices, including, but not limited to, hazardous waste disposal, recycling practices, and related information for public and private use.
(c)
Establish and maintain a toll-free Toxic Substances Hotline, operating during the regular working hours of the department, to provide information on hazardous waste or appropriate referrals on other toxic substances to the regulated community and the public. The department shall coordinate the Toxic Substances Hotline program with other programs that provide information on hazardous wastes and other toxic substances, including, but not limited to, the technical reference center established pursuant to subdivision (b).
(d)
Provide statewide planning for hazardous waste facility site identification and assessment and render technical assistance to state and local agencies in the planning and operation of hazardous waste programs.
(e)
Provide for appropriate surveillance of hazardous waste processing, use,
handling, storage, and disposal practices in the state.
(f)
Coordinate research and study in the technical and managerial aspects of management and use of hazardous wastes, and recycling and recovery of resources from hazardous wastes.
(g)
Determine existing and expected rates of production of hazardous waste.
(h)
Investigate market potential and feasibility of use of hazardous wastes and recovery of resources from hazardous wastes.
(i)
Promote recycling and recovery of resources from hazardous wastes.
(j)
Conduct studies for the purpose of improving departmental operations.
(k)
Encourage the reduction or
exchange, or both, of hazardous waste, including, but not limited to, publishing and distributing both of the following:
(1)
Lists of hazardous wastes for the purpose of enabling persons to match the constituents of hazardous waste streams with needs for hazardous materials resources.
(2)
Directories of known and permitted commercial hazardous waste recyclers in the state.
(l)
Establish and maintain an information clearinghouse, which shall consist of a record of wastes which may be recyclable. Every producer of hazardous waste shall supply the department with information for the clearinghouse. Each producer shall not be required to supply any more information than is required by the manifests provided for in Section 25160. The department shall make this information available to persons who desire to
recycle the wastes. The information shall be made available in such a way that the trade secrets of the producer are protected.
(m)
Conduct pilot projects, as appropriate, to document the technical performance of emerging technologies which offer potential for ameliorating California’s hazardous waste disposal problems.
(n)
Develop and implement an industry education program which shall emphasize small business education and shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following elements:
(1)
Preparation of a synopsis of laws and regulations relating to hazardous waste, which the department shall publish by January 1 of each year.
(2)
Publication of educational pamphlets for selected types of business explaining selected areas of the law,
regulations, or programs concerning hazardous waste.
(3)
Audio-visual training programs, as needed.
(4)
An annual California Hazardous Waste Management Symposium.