Universal Waste – Mercury

Federal Regulation 40 CFR Part 273
State Regulation 10 CSR 25-16.273

WASTE MERCURY-CONTAINING EQUIPMENT  
If properly recycled, mercury-containing equipment deemed for disposal can be managed under the Universal Waste Rule instead of the more stringent hazardous waste regulations. Mercury-containing equipment includes thermostats, barometers, thermometers, mercury regulators, pressure relief gauges, and mercury switches.  

HANDLING
See MDNR Fact Sheet for handling leaking mercury-containing equipment and cleaning up small mercury spills.

STORAGE
Non-leaking mercury-containing equipment must be placed in appropriate, structurally sound containers that are compatible with mercury. Containers must be closed at all times, except when adding or removing mercury-containing equipment. Such containers must lack evidence of leakage, spillage, or damage that could cause leakage under reasonable foreseeable conditions. Containers should be reasonably designed to prevent the escape of mercury into the environment.

Clearly label the container with any one of the following phrases:

  • “Universal Waste – Mercury-Containing Equipment,” or

  • “Waste Mercury-Containing Equipment,” or

  • “Used Mercury-Containing Equipment.”

For containers containing only one type of mercury-containing equipment, label the container more specifically. For example, a container that only contains mercury switches should be labeled with one of the following phrases:

  • “Universal Waste – Mercury-Switches,” or

  • “Waste Mercury-Switches,” or

  • “Used Mercury-Switches.”

Also, clearly label the container with the accumulation start date, the date the first mercury-containing equipment was placed in the container. Universal waste cannot accumulate for more than one (1) year after the initial storage date.

DISPOSAL
Universal waste cannot be disposed of into the environment. Mercury-containing equipment must be recycled at a RCRA permitted facility that has also obtained and complies with a Missouri Certified Resource Recovery Facility authorization. Businesses may self-transport universal waste to an authorized destination facility or Missouri Certified Resource Recovery Facility.

 

Rob LeForce, AECI, revised 8/12/2015