1. Universal Waste Batteries
This includes discarded primary (non-rechargeable) and secondary (rechargeable) batteries that contain elements such as cadmium, lead, or mercury, which would render them RCRA-hazardous. Examples are nickel-cadium (Ni-Cad), sealed lead-acid, or mercury-oxide batteries. Lead-acid batteries (such as automotive batteries) that are generated, transported, or collected to be reclaimed, or regenerated, but not reclaimed where stored, under provisions of 40 CFR 266, Subpart G, "Spent Lead-Acid Batteries Being Reclaimed," do not need to be managed as universal waste. However, waste lead-acid batteries not managed, or eligible for management, under 40 CFR 266, Subpart G, are subject to the Universal Waste Rule requirements. Lead-acid batteries that are stored at facilities that reclaim them are subject to RCRA regulation as specified in 40 CFR 266.80.
Many commonly generated waste batteries, such as dry cell zinc-carbon and alkaline ("long life") batteries, typically do not contain appreciable amounts of the hazardous elements of concern, and hence would not be required to be managed as universal waste. However, they may be managed along with universal waste batteries, and this is encouraged in the interest of diverting them from less desirable disposal destinies such as incineration or disposal in solid waste landfills.
2. Universal Waste Pesticides
Several classes of discarded pesticides that would otherwise be regulated as characteristic or listed hazardous waste may be eligible for management under the Universal Waste Rule: Stocks of unused suspended or cancelled pesticides that are subject to a voluntary or mandatory recall under the section 19(b) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), or a voluntary recall by a registrant of a pesticide that is not in compliance with FIFRA;
Stocks of other unused pesticide products that are collected and managed as part of a waste pesticide collection program.
Pesticides not subject to the prescribed recalls may have to be managed as hazardous waste when discarded. Farmers managing and disposing such pesticides in accordance with the hazardous waste exclusion in 40 CFR 262.70, and complying with prescribed disposal instructions, are not subject to the Universal Waste Rule. Recall or unused pesticides are not considered waste until a decision to discard them has been made. However, they remain subject to the requirements of FIFRA. Questions concerning the requirements or applicability of FIFRA to pesticide management should be directed to the Office of the Indiana State Chemist located at Purdue University, phone AC 765/494-1492.
3. Universal Waste Mercury Thermostats
This category of universal waste is restricted to thermostats that contain mercury, or the mercury-containing ampoules removed from such thermostats. It does not include other mercury-containing items such as thermometers, switches, gauges, relays, etc. The Rule allows for the management of this waste either as intact thermostats, or as removed mercury-containing ampoules when specified measures to prevent environment release of mercury are followed.
4. Universal Waste Mercury-containing Lamps
This category has been added to those listed in the Federal Rule 40 CFR 273 by Indiana rule 329 IAC 3.1 - 16. Fluorescent light bulbs are the most common item in this category of universal waste, which includes any type of discarded electric lamp which contains mercury. This category does not include associated light fixture components such as ballasts. Mercury-containing lamps become subject to this rule if they are hazardous waste under 40 CFR 261, and when they are permanently removed from a fixture or determined to be discarded.
Any materials resulting from release, or clean up of spills or breakage, of any universal waste is not itself universal waste. It must be determined whether or not such materials are a hazardous waste as identified in 40 CFR 261, and the material must then be managed and disposed in accordance with applicable hazardous or solid waste regulations.
Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator
Eligibility
The Hazardous Materials Facility manages Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators' (CESQG) Wastes and Universal Wastes . A business must qualify as a CESQG to participate in the District's program. A CESQG can be a large industrial manufacturer or a small shop. CESQG status is achieved by producing less than 100 kgs. (220 lbs.) of hazardous waste per month, including a maximum of 1 kg. acutely hazardous waste. If a business generates more than this amount, it is required by law to use a licensed hazardous waste hauler to manifest and transport its waste.
Transporting and Labeling Waste
Caution should be taken when transporting hazardous material to the Facility. If possible, use the original product container, or label the container if the contents are different than listed. Do not mix materials! All containers should have secure lids and be packed upright in a leak proof box. Material Safety Data Sheets or any other information about the material (e.g. how it is used) should be provided.
Appointments
Business and all non-household entities (churches, schools, government agencies, and non-profit groups) need to make an appointment to drop off materials.
