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Universal Waste 4/ 01
- 1 -
GENERAL INFORMATION ON THE UNIVERSAL WASTE RULE
What is the Universal Waste Rule?
A rule created by the EPA in 1995 ( 40 CFR 273). The EPA developed it to streamline
environmental regulations for wastes that a large number of businesses generate, but in
relatively small quantities. The rule is designed to reduce the amount of hazardous waste
items in the municipal solid waste stream, encourage the recycling and proper disposal of
some common hazardous wastes, and reduce the regulatory burden on businesses that
generate these wastes.
What are Universal Wastes ( UWs)?
UWs are usually items commonly thrown into the trash by households and small
businesses. Currently, batteries, thermostats, obsolete agricultural pesticides and lamps
may be managed under the universal waste rule. Although UW handlers now have less
stringent standards to meet when they store, transport and collect wastes, the waste itself
must still comply with full hazardous waste requirements for final recycling, treatment or
disposal. The rule makes sure wastes are kept out of municipal landfills and incinerators,
strongly guards public health and the environment and relieves UW handlers of some of
the paperwork involved in traditional hazardous waste handling.
What is prohibited under the universal waste rule?
Unless you are responding to an accidental release, you may not dispose, dilute or treat
universal waste.
Who is considered a universal waste handler?
UW handlers include generators of universal waste and owners or operators of facilities
that receive UW from other UW handlers. Anyone who accumulates UW, sends it to
another UW handler, a destination facility or a foreign destination is also considered a
UW handler. There are two categories of universal waste handlers based on the amount
of universal waste managed.
♦ A large quantity handler of universal waste is defined as a universal waste handler
who accumulates 5,000 kg or more of total universal waste at any time but does not
treat, recycle, or dispose of them ( 40 CFR 273, subpart C).
♦ A small quantity handler of universal waste is defined as a universal waste handler
who accumulates 5,000 kg or less of universal waste at any time but does not treat,
recycle or dispose of them ( 40 CFR 273, subpart B).
What are the requirements for universal waste transporters?
UW transporters are subject to the requirements of subpart D of part 273. Transporters
must also comply with all applicable DOT regulations and ensure that any UW
transported goes to a UW handler or destination facility. Because DOT regulations do
not require a manifest to accompany the shipment, DOT does not consider UW to be a
“ hazardous waste”. However, transporters must decide if the waste falls under any other
Object Description
Description
| Title | General information on the universal waste rule. - Page 1 |
| Pres Local File Path-M | \Preservation_content\StatePubs\pubs_borndigital\images_master\ |
| Full Text | Universal Waste 4/ 01 - 1 - GENERAL INFORMATION ON THE UNIVERSAL WASTE RULE What is the Universal Waste Rule? A rule created by the EPA in 1995 ( 40 CFR 273). The EPA developed it to streamline environmental regulations for wastes that a large number of businesses generate, but in relatively small quantities. The rule is designed to reduce the amount of hazardous waste items in the municipal solid waste stream, encourage the recycling and proper disposal of some common hazardous wastes, and reduce the regulatory burden on businesses that generate these wastes. What are Universal Wastes ( UWs)? UWs are usually items commonly thrown into the trash by households and small businesses. Currently, batteries, thermostats, obsolete agricultural pesticides and lamps may be managed under the universal waste rule. Although UW handlers now have less stringent standards to meet when they store, transport and collect wastes, the waste itself must still comply with full hazardous waste requirements for final recycling, treatment or disposal. The rule makes sure wastes are kept out of municipal landfills and incinerators, strongly guards public health and the environment and relieves UW handlers of some of the paperwork involved in traditional hazardous waste handling. What is prohibited under the universal waste rule? Unless you are responding to an accidental release, you may not dispose, dilute or treat universal waste. Who is considered a universal waste handler? UW handlers include generators of universal waste and owners or operators of facilities that receive UW from other UW handlers. Anyone who accumulates UW, sends it to another UW handler, a destination facility or a foreign destination is also considered a UW handler. There are two categories of universal waste handlers based on the amount of universal waste managed. ♦ A large quantity handler of universal waste is defined as a universal waste handler who accumulates 5,000 kg or more of total universal waste at any time but does not treat, recycle, or dispose of them ( 40 CFR 273, subpart C). ♦ A small quantity handler of universal waste is defined as a universal waste handler who accumulates 5,000 kg or less of universal waste at any time but does not treat, recycle or dispose of them ( 40 CFR 273, subpart B). What are the requirements for universal waste transporters? UW transporters are subject to the requirements of subpart D of part 273. Transporters must also comply with all applicable DOT regulations and ensure that any UW transported goes to a UW handler or destination facility. Because DOT regulations do not require a manifest to accompany the shipment, DOT does not consider UW to be a “ hazardous waste”. However, transporters must decide if the waste falls under any other |
