UNIVERSAL WASTE
Universal wastes are a special group of hazardous wastes that are widely generated and present limited hazards. In an effort to make it easier and more cost effective to properly manage these wastes, the "Universal Waste Rule" exempts these wastes from the more burdensome "Hazardous Waste Rule" requirements, as long as they are managed to prevent release to the environment and properly recycled or disposed of.
There are three types of materials which are classified as universal wastes in Washington. They consist of:
- Lamps (fluorescent, compact fluorescent, high pressure sodium, high intensity discharge)
- Batteries
- Mercury-containing equipment (thermometers, thermostats, manometers, and other types of equipment that contain elemental mercury)
Storage and Labeling Requirements
There are several management requirements that apply to universal waste. These requirements are listed below.
- Universal waste must be stored in containers or packages that are structurally sound, adequate to prevent breakage, compatible with the contents, and closeable.
- Universal waste containers and packages must remain closed and must lack evidence of leakage, spillage or damage that could cause leakage under reasonably foreseeable conditions.
- Each container of universal waste must be properly labeled. The label must contain the phrase “Universal Waste” and marked to specify the type of universal waste being stored. EHS has developed a label that encompasses each of the three types of universal waste.
- Each universal waste container must be labeled with the accumulation start date to ensure that it is stored for no longer than one year.
Labeling
The following label can be printed out on AVERY 5164 (or equivalent) sized labels.
Disposal
To dispose of universal wastes, you will need to submit a pickup request in the Hazardous Waste Portal.