One of the more confusing aspects of managing waste streams for hazardous waste generators is understanding the terminology used by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and how a classification impacts how each type of waste must be handled.
Universal waste is one of those confusing terms. The word universal means a term or concept of general application. In other words, it can be thought of as a catch all type of phrase. Universal wastes are hazardous waste items commonly disposed by households and small businesses in the solid waste stream.
EPA has designated four specific waste streams that are known as “universal wastes.” These are batteries, pesticides, mercury-containing equipment (like old thermometers), and lamp bulbs.
The EPA website details the federal universal waste definitions of each of these waste types.
Batteries – “EPA defines a battery as a device consisting of one or more electrically connected electrochemical cells which is designed to receive, store, and deliver electric energy.
An electrochemical cell is a system consisting of an anode, cathode, and an electrolyte, plus such connections (electrical and mechanical) as may be needed to allow the cell to deliver or receive electrical energy. The term battery also includes an intact, unbroken battery from which the electrolyte has been removed.”
Pesticides – “Pesticide means any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest, or intended for use as a plant regulator, defoliant, or desiccant…” There are some exceptions which can be seen in detail on the EPA website here.
Mercury-containing Equipment – “Mercury-containing equipment means a device or part of a device (including thermostats, but excluding batteries and lamps) that contains elemental mercury integral to its function.”
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Examples of common universal waste electric lamps include, but are not limited to, fluorescent, high intensity discharge, neon, mercury vapor, high pressure sodium, and metal halide lamps.”
The Federal Universal Waste Disposal Program was developed to encourage recycling and proper disposal of these wastes, which meet the Federal criteria for hazardous waste but are widely generated and typically do not pose an immediate and undue risk.
Universal wastes are subject to less stringent standards for handling, storage, and transport. Full hazardous waste requirements remain, however, for the final recycling, treatment or disposal of these wastes.
Specific UWR requirements vary based on the volume of universal waste handled or generated, so generators are encouraged to review the rule and seek additional information as needed from the US EPA and their local and state authorities.
EPA’s universal waste regulations streamline the hazardous waste management standards. The EPA objectives for streamlined regulations includes:
It’s important for companies to understand their requirements concerning universal waste streams. A good place to start out with your company is to ensure that all employees are properly trained in universal waste handling regulations and that there is a clear understanding of the different regulations.
Doing this will help your company avoid potentially dangerous and costly universal waste violations.