The department, in the conduct of its duties as prescribed under this part, shall assist in encouraging, developing, and implementing methods of hazardous waste management that are environmentally sound, that maximize the utilization of valuable resources, that encourage resource conservation, including source separation, recycling, and waste reduction, and that are consistent with the plan to be provided by the department pursuant to section 12103(1)(d) of the public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.12103. In addition, the department, in the conduct of its duties as prescribed by this part, shall assist in implementing the policy of this state to minimize the placement of untreated hazardous waste in disposal facilities.