Universal Waste Management

Universal waste must be managed properly to comply with RCRA regulations. For all of the categories of universal waste - batteries, pesticides, mercury-containing equipment, and lamps - universal waste handlers must do the following:

• Manage universal waste in a way that prevents the release of toxic components into the environment
• Be on the lookout for evidence of leakage, spillage, or damage that could cause leakage

In the event that evidence of leakage, spillage, or damage is found, the handler must take the following actions:

• The handler must contain the universal waste in closed, structurally sound containers that are compatible with the spilled or leaked contents.
• The handler must immediately clean up any hazardous contents that have spilled or leaked, in a manner appropriate for the hazardous constituents involved.
• The handler must determine if any of the released material is hazardous. If the material is hazardous, it may no longer be allowed to be handled as a universal waste. Instead, it must be handled as hazardous waste. Do not place spilled, leaked, and other released materials back into a container with universal waste.

The RCRA regulations provide specific waste management guidelines for the different categories of universal waste (refer to 40 CFR 273.13).

To learn more about RCRA visit our RCRA Hazardous Waste Safety Online Training web page.