Overview
Universal wastes are not appropriately containerized, labeled, dated, and/or managed.
- Non-akaline batteries, Mercury-containing items, Lamps, Electronics
The most common concern is with growth lights, UV or special color lighting that is being maintained by lab staff rather than through Facilities.
Universal wastes include spent batteries (except alkaline which are not regulated), mercury-containing items (such as thermometers, manometers, etc.), mercury-containing fluorescent lamps (such as CFL, compact fluorescent lamps), and discarded electronics. The most commonly encountered universal waste in a laboratory setting is fluorescent lamps that are being used in equipment and which are not serviced by BSM.
With the exceptions noted, the following regulatory requirements apply to universal wastes:
- They must be accumulated in sturdy containers. However, batteries need to be in a container only if they are leaking or are likely to leak.
- Containers must be closed. However, containers for electronics do not need to be closed. A looser “closure” standard is applied than for other wastes as previously described. Often, adequate closure consists of taping a box shut.
- Containers must be labeled as “Universal Waste – [item, e.g., Lamps]”
- Containers must be dated with the date that the first waste item was added to the container. Containers must be sent off-site within 1 year. Therefore, notify the Waste Specialist if you encounter a container that is more than about 9 months old.
This checklist item would be cited if a universal waste item does not meet any of the above requirements, and the citation should specifically identify the deficiency (e.g., lack of dating). Try to correct the deficiency before leaving the lab.