UNIVERSAL WASTE

SMITHFIELD FOODS ENVIRONMENTAL

CONFERENCE 2012

What is Universal Waste?

• Universal wastes are specific hazardous wastes which are destined for recycling. They include:– Spent batteries– Suspended or cancelled pesticides which are subject

to recall, or pesticides which are collected or managed as part of a waste pesticide collection program

– Mercury containing thermostats and other equipment.– Spent electric tubes or bulbs which are hazardous

due to heavy metals

What is Universal Waste?

What is Universal Waste?

• Spent electric tubes or bulbs– Frequently contain mercury, and sometimes

lead

What is Universal Waste?

• Spent Batteries (other than lead-acid batteries)– Spent Lead Acid Batteries not managed under

CFR 266

What is Universal Waste?

– Lithium and Nickel-Cadmium Batteries (rechargeable)• Typically found in cell phones, 2-way radios, digital

camera and power tools

Recycling Options

• Aerosol Cans – After being punctured the cans are recycled as scrap metal and the waste paint is fuel blended where it’s high BTU flammability is used in the incenration process of other materials.

• Ink Jet Liquid – This chemical is also fuel blended for the incineration process.• Nitric Acid / Silver Nitrate Solution – (Often used in QA Labs at facilities) This

chemical is a corrosive oxidizer therefore it is neutalized to bring to a pH neutral and then can be used in the treatment of other materials.

• Mercury Thermometers – Ships as a hazardous waste but is recovered from the thermometers and recycled/repurposed.

• Flourescent Light Tubes – Bulb crushers can be utilized to help minimize storage and accidental breaks. Once crushed, the mercury powder is collected and recycled as well as the glass and metal ends.

• Liquid Waste Paint – Giant Resource Recovery (GRR) located in Sumter, South Carolina is a disposal facility that will take the waste paint and fuel blend it to be utilized as a fuel in their cement kilns.

• Check with your haulers about their disposal methods and even research alternate methods of sustainable disposal.

Labeling Requirements

• Properly train personnel responsible for disposing of Universal Waste!

• Label With Contents– Used Batteries– Used Fluorescent Light bulbs– Used Mercury Thermostat– Used Waste Pesticide

• Accumulation Start Date– Date container when first waste is placed in

container.

Labeling Requirements

Retain For Your Records

Regulations for Handlers

• The date of waste collection must be documented

• All containers must be labeled.• ALWAYS get a Waste Manifest before

removing the waste from your facility. These documents should never be destroyed.

• UW may be stored on-site for one year from the date it becomes a waste. Do not exceed this time frame.

Electronic Materials

• Cap Gemini is able to take returns• Check for manufacturer return

programs• Never dispose of in general trash• Visit your recycler before contracting

Questions?