Universal Waste Handling 2005
The point of the New York State DEC's “Universal Waste Regulations” is to keep easy-to-collect hazardous waste out of the environment. Your job is to collect these types of waste and store them so they won't break, spill or get thrown in a dumpster. There are four main types of universal waste encountered on campus: lamps, batteries, pesticides, and mercury thermostats.
LAMPS: Used lamps may contain mercury and lead
Types of lamps which must be handled carefully:
- Fluorescent
- Neon
- High pressure sodium
- Mercury vapor
- High intensity discharge
- Metal halide
Dead bulbs must be immediately placed in a sturdy cardboard box. Keep the dividers from new bulb boxes, they help prevent breakage. When you start a new box, the FIRST step (before you even put dead bulbs in it) is to label it “Used Lamps” or “Waste Lamps” and write in the date. The EHS Office provides labels, too. As SOON as you're done with the box, whether it's full, or you're going on break, or moving to another task, close it and tape it shut. When a box is full, write the number of bulbs on the box. Don't leave boxes out in a hall.
BROKEN BULBS
Broken bulbs have to be treated like hazardous waste. Wear gloves and safety glasses when sweeping up. Use a broom and dustpan. Put the pieces in a plastic bag inside of a sturdy container (a box, wastebasket or 5-gallon pail) and write the words “Hazardous Waste, mercury, broken lamp” on the container. Call EHS at 5411 to arrange for pickup of the waste.
Why Bother?
A state or federal hazardous waste inspector that uncovers a violation as insignificant as an unlabeled light bulb box can levy a fine of $10,000 per violation per day. Yes, they CAN fine other state agencies, and often DO.
Batteries may contain lead, cadmium, chromium, nickel (toxic metals) and acid (corrosive) As soon as a battery goes dead, it is waste and must be labeled:
“Waste – Battery”
“Date __________” (fill in with current date)
If a bunch of batteries are to be collected, the PLASTIC pail or bin must be labeled with the date the first battery is added, and the words “Waste Batteries”
SPILLS OR LEAKS
Batteries leaking liquid must be dealt with immediately. Contact EHS at 5411 for cleanup service. If a plastic container is available, place it in the container to contain the spill. Leaky batteries must be handled as hazardous waste.
Unused pesticides must be kept in their original containers. If the pesticide has been diluted for use according to the label, a copy of the original label must be attached to the container.
As soon as the pesticide becomes a waste, it must be labeled as follows:
“Waste – Pesticide”
“Date _________” (fill in with current date.)
Spills or leaks must be contained immediately! Contact EHS at 5411 for assistance. Spilled or released pesticides must be handled by EHS as hazardous waste spills.
Treat old mercury thermostats as you would fluorescent light bulbs. As soon as an old thermostat is removed, label it as follows:
“Waste Mercury thermostat(s)”
“Date________”
Broken thermostats must be cleaned up immediately. Contact EHS at 5411 to report a release, and EHS staff will conduct the cleanup.
Why Bother?
A state or federal hazardous waste inspector that uncovers a violation as insignifcant as an unlabeled light bulb box can levy a fine of $10,000 per violation per day. Yes, they CAN fine other state agencies, and often DO.
Excerpt from 6NYCRR Part 374 – Universal Waste Regulations(374-3.2 Standards for Small Quantity Handlers of Universal Waste)
To obtain a copy of the Waste Disposal Policy, email your request to Suna Stone-McMasters.