Waste elimination and reduction assistance program.

(1) The Legislature finds that the reduction of the volume and toxicity of hazardous waste generated in the state is the most environmentally, economically, and technically efficient method of protecting the public health and the environment from the improper management of hazardous waste.

(2) The department shall establish a waste reduction and elimination assistance program designed to assist all persons in reducing the amount and toxicity of the hazardous waste generated in the state to the maximum extent possible. The waste reduction assistance program may include, but not be limited to:

(a) The establishment of a waste reduction clearinghouse of all available information concerning waste reduction, waste minimization, recycling programs, economic and energy savings, and production and environmental improvements;

(b) Assistance in transferring information concerning waste reduction technologies through workshops, conferences, and handbooks;

(c) Cooperation with university programs to develop waste reduction curricula and training;

(d) Onsite technical assistance for hazardous waste generators; and

(e) Researching and recommending incentive programs for innovative waste management and reduction programs.