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Universal Waste Management

 

Employees can receive training by linking to this presentation:

Universal Waste Management Training

Background

In 1995, The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division (EPD) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed and streamlined hazardous waste management requirements for collecting and managing certain widely generated hazardous waste by creating a “Universal Waste” category. /p>

This rule is designed to:

  • reduce the amount of hazardous waste items in the municipal solid waste stream
  • encourage recycling and proper disposal
  • reduce regulatory burdens on entities that generate these wastes

All employees who handle or have responsibility for managing universal waste must be informed and trained as to the proper handling and emergency procedures appropriate to the type(s) of universal waste.

Types of Universal Waste

  • Fluorescent lamps (white fluorescent tubes)
  • High intensity discharge (HID) lamps with mercury
  • High pressure sodium lamps
  • Metal halide lamps
  • Neon lamps
  • Ultra-violet lamps
  • Spent lead-acid, nickel/cadmium, mercury batteries (not alkaline)
  • Certain and unused pesticides (suspended and/or recalled under Section 6 of the Federal Insecticide, fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)
  • Ballasts (with PCBs)
  • Mercury-containing Thermostats

General Definitions

Generator- any person, or site, whose act or processes produce hazardous waste as identified or listed in 40 CFR part 261 that will create a hazardous waste to become subject to regulation.

Handler- anyone who is responsible for managing universal waste. (i.e. removing/replacing lamps)

Handling and Safety Procedures

All universal waste handlers should wear appropriate gloves and eye protection.

Lamps:

  • handle lamps in a manner that will prevent releases (breakage).
  • properly store lamps in an appropriate container with a secured lid
  • do not leave individual lamps leaning in corners of rooms or hallways, lying unprotected on top of equipment or on the floor.
  • label all lamp containers
  • do not allow container to get wet
  • do not tape bulbs together
  • package bulbs tightly without separators or other packing.
  • do not mix different lengths or types of bulbs in the containers at the accumulation area

If a lamp breaks:

  • you must wear leather gloves and eye protection
  • avoid breathing the vapors
  • do not dispose in the normal trash
  • immediately contain any releases and manage released material as a universal hazard waste
  • package broken bulbs in puncture resistant closable container (heavy cardboard box, trash container with lid, commercial broken glass container)

If you do not have appropriate protective equipment:

  • contact Facilities Management or Public Safety for assistance

Ballasts containing PCBs:

  • handle ballasts in a manner that will prevent any leakage
  • clip/remove wires from the ballast
  • store all PCB containing ballasts in an appropriate metal container with secured lid
  • wear disposable gloves when packing ballasts and place the used gloves in a separate container
  • label container as ballasts containing PCB

Batteries:

Battery Guidelines

  • handle spent batteries in a manner that will prevent an acid spill
  • discharge batteries to remove the electric charge
  • cover the terminals with duct tape or wrapped in a manner capable of preventing a discharge prior to storing in the accumulation area
  • caps must be tightly placed on all batteries and/or containers in which these batteries are stored
  • sort batteries by type
  • do not leave lying unprotected on top of equipment
  • label all battery containers
  • properly store them in a closed structurally sound container with a secured lid
  • immediately contain any spills by using appropriate protective equipment

Pesticides:

  • handle pesticides in a manner that will prevent spillage
  • properly store them in a closed structurally sound container with a secured lid
  • properly store them in a container that is compatible with the pesticide
  • label all pesticide containers
  • immediately contain any spills by using the appropriate protective equipment

Mercury containing Thermostats:

  • removed ampules in a manner designed to prevent breakage and remove only over or in a contained device
  • the removal of the ampule area must be well-ventilated and monitored to ensure compliance and safety
  • ampules must be stored in a structurally sound container with a secured lid
  • label all thermostat containers
  • immediately contain any mercury spills by using appropriate protective equipment

Labeling Procedures

  • all labels must clearly show the type of universal waste
  • all labels must have the start date of accumulation
  • all labels must have the container full date

Delivery

  • deliver full boxes or transfer partial boxes to Facilities Management to the appropriate container on-site at the accumulation area
  • place any containers on a secondary containment pallet
  • containers must remain closed at all times except when adding waste

Universal Waste Storage Areas

  • all storage containers must be stored sheltered
  • the area must be clearly marked with a sign reading “Universal Hazardous Waste Storage”
  • area must be kept secured/locked
  • the area must be inspected weekly and documented accordingly
  • waste may not be stored for more than 1 year

Facilities Management

  • responsible for all record keeping, shipping procedures, and verification of reclamation facilities
  • responsible for inspecting the accumulation area weekly and ensure all containers are properly labeled, packaged and sealed according to regulations.