1. Handling and Disposal of Universal Waste
ONLINE self-study
Handling and Disposal of Universal Waste

2. 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.

3. Process Map of Waste Handling
Distinguish Material as Waste
Wear PPE
Containerize Waste
Label Waste with Date
Store Waste
Submit Waste Disposal Form

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. Broken Fluorescent Lamps
If a lamp breaks:
Place in container and Keep container closed
Do Not Vacuum Waste
Contact EHS at for technical assistance
Dispose of waste using a Chemical Disposal Form
Can become a Hazardous Waste if not managed properly

16. Universal Waste Disposal Methods
To properly dispose of your chemicals, please follow these few easy steps:
1)      Go to our website:
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 
(w)
(c)  
Distinguish Material as Waste
Wear PPE
Containerize Waste
Label Waste with Date
Store Waste
Submit Waste Disposal Form

17. FAQ Sheets for each waste can also be found online
Questions?
Call EHS at (919) OR
FAQ Sheets for each waste can also be found online