TCSA Universal Waste
Universal waste" is a general descriptive term EPA uses to identify certain widely generated hazardous wastes. Under the universal waste rule, these identified hazardous wastes remain hazardous wastes but are not collected and managed in compliance with the full hazardous waste rules. Instead, EPA has determined that these wastes can be more effectively managed in accordance with "streamlined" hazardous waste management rules that subject handlers of universal wastes to less stringent standards for storing, transporting, and collecting the wastes.
EPA now classifies the following as universal wastes:
- Batteries (nickel cadmium batteries, in particular)
- Pesticides
- Mercury Containing Equipment (MCE) (which includes thermostats)
- Flourescent Lamps
EPA may add additional wastes to the list in the future
EPA issued the universal waste rule, effective May 11, 1995, in order to meet three objectives:
- Reduce the amount of hazardous waste items in the municipal solid waste wastestream.
- Encourage recycling and proper disposal of certain common or widely generated hazardous wastes.
- Reduce the regulatory burden on businesses that generate these wastes.
See Training Slide Show