(1) There is established in the department an office of waste reduction. The office shall use its authorities to encourage the voluntary reduction of hazardous substance usage and waste generation by waste generators and hazardous substance users. The office shall prepare and submit a quarterly progress report to the director.

(2) The office shall be the coordinating center for all state agency programs that provide technical assistance to waste generators and hazardous substance users and shall serve as the state's lead agency and promoter for such programs. In addition to this coordinating function, the office shall encourage hazardous substance use reduction and waste reduction by:

(a) Providing for the rendering of advice and consultation to waste generators and hazardous substance users on hazardous substance use reduction and waste reduction techniques, including assistance in preparation of plans provided for in RCW 70A.214.110;

(b) Sponsoring or co-sponsoring with public or private organizations technical workshops and seminars on waste reduction and hazardous substance use reduction;

(c) Administering a waste reduction and hazardous substance use reduction database and hotline providing comprehensive referral services to waste generators and hazardous substance users;

(d) Administering a waste reduction and hazardous substance use reduction research and development program;

(e) Coordinating a waste reduction and hazardous substance use reduction public education program that includes the utilization of existing publications from public and private sources, as well as publishing necessary new materials on waste reduction;

(f) Recommending to institutions of higher education in the state courses and curricula in areas related to waste reduction and hazardous substance use reduction; and

(g) Operating an intern program in cooperation with institutions of higher education and other outside resources to provide technical assistance on hazardous substance use reduction and waste reduction techniques and to carry out research projects as needed within the office.