Handling and Disposal of Universal Waste ONLINE self-study Handling and Disposal of Universal Waste
Universal Waste Universal Wastes are certain hazardous wastes that are universally generated in large quantities by industrial facilities but present a limited hazard. Used Batteries (40 CFR 273.2), Pesticides (40 CFR 273.3), Mercury containing equipment (40 CFR 273.4) and Lamps (40 CFR 273.5) are all classified as Universal Wastes.
Process Map of Waste Handling Distinguish Material as Waste Wear PPE Containerize Waste Label Waste with Date Store Waste Submit Waste Disposal Form
Mercury Containing Equipment Mercury-containing equipment means a device or part of a device (including thermostats, but excluding batteries and lamps) that contains elemental mercury integral to its function. Distinguish Material as Waste Wear PPE Containerize Waste Label Waste with Date Store Waste Submit Waste Disposal Form
What is a Universal Waste Pesticide Pesticides are any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest Or intended for use as a plant regulator, defoliant, or desiccant Distinguish Material as Waste Wear PPE Containerize Waste Label Waste with Date Store Waste Submit Waste Disposal Form
Follow Label Instructions Remember to follow all manufacturer label instructions while handling your waste Pesticide EHS can advise on proper PPE for handling wastes as needed Distinguish Material as Waste Wear PPE Containerize Waste Label Waste with Date Store Waste Submit Waste Disposal Form
4L’s Most commonly cited EPA violations of hazardous waste regulations are: Open containers or lids not on tight Lack of secondary containment Improper /Missing labels Waste storage location Distinguish Material as Waste Wear PPE Containerize Waste Label Waste with Date Store Waste Submit Waste Disposal Form
Used Batteries Correct Recycle used batteries in an approved & labeled container Keep the lid CLOSED unless you are adding batteries Separate batteries by type EHS can provide the correct containers Distinguish Material as Waste Wear PPE Containerize Waste Label Waste with Date Store Waste Submit Waste Disposal Form
Damaged Batteries If you notice a damaged or leaking battery: Wear appropriate PPE (gloves, glasses) Separate leaking or damaged batteries Containerize batteries to prevent a release into the environment Dispose of leaking batteries using Chemical Disposal Form Contact your supervisor to report any problems with Universal Waste storage Distinguish Material as Waste Wear PPE Containerize Waste Label Waste with Date Store Waste Submit Waste Disposal Form
Used Batteries Incorrect Do Not put any batteries into the trash. Do Not handle leaking or broken batteries without gloves and wash hands immediately after handling. Do Not store used batteries in an unapproved container. Do Not store used batteries for longer than 365 days. Do Not Overfill Containers! Distinguish Material as Waste Wear PPE Containerize Waste Label Waste with Date Store Waste Submit Waste Disposal Form
ALL ENDS OR TERMINALS MUST BE TAPED OR CAPPED For ALL Battery types Distinguish Material as Waste Wear PPE Containerize Waste Label Waste with Date Store Waste Submit Waste Disposal Form
Proper Labeling EHS can provide boxes or labels for accumulation. As soon as the first lamp is placed in the container it must be labeled identifying the contents and dated. Waste Must not be stored for longer than one year. Label containers using the words "Universal Waste,” "Waste," or "Used“ if standardized labels are not available. Distinguish Material as Waste Wear PPE Containerize Waste Label Waste with Date Store Waste Submit Waste Disposal Form
Fluorescent Lamps Storage Correct Store all used lamps in Closed boxes, with accumulation start date and the words Universal Waste Used Lamps or Used Bulbs Box must be kept CLOSED unless a bulb is actively being added to the box EHS can provide proper containers Lamp Types Fluorescent Even Green-tipped Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) Mercury Vapor Metal Halide High Pressure Sodium-Vapor UV Incandescent
Fluorescent Lamp Storage Incorrect Do Not put used fluorescent lamps in the trash. Do Not intentionally break or crush lamps because mercury will be released. Distinguish Material as Waste Wear PPE Containerize Waste Label Waste with Date Store Waste Submit Waste Disposal Form
Broken Fluorescent Lamps If a lamp breaks: Place in container and Keep container closed Do Not Vacuum Waste Contact EHS at 919.962.5507 for technical assistance Dispose of waste using a Chemical Disposal Form Can become a Hazardous Waste if not managed properly
Universal Waste Disposal Methods To properly dispose of your chemicals, please follow these few easy steps: 1) Go to our website: www.ehs.unc.edu 2) Click the link on the right hand side stating “Chem/RAD disposal” 3) Click the link for NON-PI submittal to the right of the ONYEN login 4) Complete the Waste Pickup Request Form. Note: If you need a container please indicate as such in the notes section of the form with size and quantity of containers. If you have any questions, please contact EHS to walk you through it. Frank Stillo III Environment, Health, and Safety The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Environment, Health and Safety Department 1120 Estes Drive Extension Chapel Hill, NC 27599-1650 (w) 919-962-5723 (c) 919-883-7031 fjstillo@ehs.unc.edu www.ehs.unc.edu Distinguish Material as Waste Wear PPE Containerize Waste Label Waste with Date Store Waste Submit Waste Disposal Form
FAQ Sheets for each waste can also be found online Questions? Call EHS at (919) 962-5507 OR http://EHS.UNC.EDU FAQ Sheets for each waste can also be found online