Universal Waste
EPA finalized the universal waste rule on May 11, 1995 as a way of streamlining the recycling efforts of commercial and industrial groups. Under this rule, a hazardous waste generator has the option of designating certain hazardous waste as universal waste, making them subject to less stringent environmental regulations. These wastes are hazardous waste batteries, hazardous waste thermostats (such as mercury-containing thermostats), certain hazardous waste lamps, and certain hazardous waste pesticides.
States do have autonomy when it comes to the universal waste rule. They do not have to accept it, they can add or remove wastes, or they can have more stringent requirements. Thus, before you designate any hazardous waste as a universal waste, the organization will need to check with its state agency to see if they will allow it. Most states follow the federal rule.
EPA has recently added all mercury-containing equipment, including mercury thermometers to the federal list of universal waste. This proposal became final in July, 2005.
EPA's universal waste regulations streamline hazardous waste management standards for federally designated "universal wastes," which include:
See EPA guidelines for Universal Waste Management.
