Universal Waste

Federal Regulation 40 CFR Part 273

State Regulation 10 CSR 25-16.273

UNIVERSAL WASTE RULE
The Universal Waste Rule allows generators of certain types of hazardous wastes an option to manage those wastes under less stringent requirements than the hazardous waste regulations. This alternative is offered to help reduce regulatory burden on businesses and to encourage collection, recycling, and proper disposal of these wastes. If universal wastes are not properly recycled, they must be managed as hazardous waste.

MDNR Fact Sheet

WHAT ARE UNIVERSAL WASTES?
Universal wastes are hazardous wastes, but not all hazardous wastes can be universal wastes. In general, to qualify as a universal waste a hazardous waste must be commonly found in medium to large volumes, exhibit only low-level hazards, or be easily managed. Universal wastes in Missouri include the following items:

  • Batteries
  • Lamps
  • Light Ballasts
  • Mercury-containing Devices
  • Aerosol Cans
  • Electronic Waste
  • Pesticides

UNIVERSAL WASTE HANDLER STATUS
Universal waste generators are called “handlers.” There are two classifications for handling universal waste: small quantity handler and large quantity handler. To determine which handler status and applicable regulations apply, calculate the total accumulated amount of all types of hazardous wastes that are being managed as universal waste. A small quantity handler of universal waste accumulated less than 11,000 pounds (5,000 kg) of universal waste at any time. A large quantity handler of universal waste accumulates 11,000 pounds (5,000 kg) or more of universal waste at any time. The regulations are somewhat more stringent for large quantity handlers than small quantity handlers. All other hazardous wastes are calculated separately to determine the “hazardous waste generator status” (refer to Hazardous Waste section of ECAM).

GENERAL HANDLING & STORAGE REQUIREMENTS
For more specific information, refer to ECAM section for each universal waste stream. In general, small and large quantity universal waste handlers:

  • Must label waste as a “universal waste” as described in the rule.

  • May accumulate universal waste on-site for up to one (1) year.

  • Must not co-mingle universal waste streams.

  • Must follow the waste management requirements stated in the rule for the particular waste(s) being managed.

  • Must train employees on proper handling and emergency procedures.

  • Must respond to spills and manage spill residue as hazardous waste.

  • Must not dispose of a universal waste into the environment.

  • May self-transport universal waste to an authorized destination facility or Missouri Certified Resource Recovery Facility.

  • Must recycle universal waste at a RCRA permitted facility that has also obtained and complies with a Missouri Certified Resource Recovery Facility authorization.

  • If a large quantity handler:

    • Must register and obtain an EPA identification number.

    • Must keep records of universal wastes received or shipped.  

 

Updated by Janelle Lemen, AECI 8/12/2015