universal waste handlers training

ONLINE SELF-STUDY

Handling and Disposal of Universal Waste

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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.

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Process Map of Waste Handling

Distinguish Material as

WasteWear PPE

Containerize Waste

Label Waste with Date

Store WasteSubmit Waste Disposal Form

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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 PPEContainerize

WasteLabel Waste

with DateStore Waste

Submit Waste Disposal Form

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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



WasteLabel Waste



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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



WasteLabel Waste



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4L’sMost commonly cited EPA

violations of hazardous and

universal waste regulations

are:

Open containers or lids

not on tight

Lack of secondary

containment

Improper /Missing

labels

Waste storage location



WasteLabel Waste



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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



WasteLabel Waste



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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



WasteLabel Waste



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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!



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ALL ENDS OR TERMINALS MUST BE TAPED OR CAPPED

For ALL Battery types



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Lamp Storage

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.



WasteLabel Waste



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Used Lamps Storage

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

Correct13

Fluorescent Lamp Storage

Do Not put used fluorescent lamps in the

trash.

Do Not intentionally break or crush lamps

because mercury will be released.



WasteLabel Waste



Incorrect14

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 https://itsapps.unc.edu/HazMat_Pickup/NonPI

Broken Fluorescent Lamps

Can become a Hazardous Waste if

not managed properly

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https://itsapps.unc.edu/HazMat_Pickup/NonPI

Universal Waste Disposal

Methods

To properly dispose of your universal waste, 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.



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Questions??

Call EHS at (919) 962-5507

OR

http://EHS.UNC.EDU

FAQ Sheets for each waste can also be found online

Lamps: https://ehs.unc.edu/files/2015/09/fllamp.pdf

Batteries: https://ehs.unc.edu/files/2015/09/drycell.pdf

https://ehs.unc.edu/files/2015/09/leadacid.pdf

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https://ehs.unc.edu/files/2015/09/fllamp.pdf

https://ehs.unc.edu/files/2015/09/drycell.pdf

https://ehs.unc.edu/files/2015/09/leadacid.pdf

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