Universal Waste Handlers

Under the Universal Waste Rule, the roles of people or businesses that handle universal waste are defined differently than the roles defined for handlers of hazardous waste. As we discussed in Units 1, 2, and 3, the roles of handlers of hazardous waste are as follows:

• LQG
• SQG
• VSQG
• Transporters of hazardous waste
• Owners and operators of treatment, storage, and disposal facilities

Handlers of hazardous waste who occupy one (or more) of these roles must comply with the RCRA hazardous waste regulations that apply to their role.

In contrast, under the Universal Waste Rule, the RCRA regulations define four groups of handlers of universal waste. These groups are the following:

• Small quantity handlers of universal waste (SQHUW)
• Large quantity handlers of universal waste (LQHUW)
• Universal waste transporters
• Universal waste destination facilities

Handlers of universal waste who occupy one (or more) of these roles must comply with the Universal Waste Rule as it applies to their role.

To learn more about RCRA safety standards visit our RCRA Refresher Online Training web page.