Caltha LLP provides expert RCRA, hazardous waste and universal waste consultant and compliance support to facilities in Wisconsin. Under Federal Universal Waste rules, (40 CFR 273 – Standards for Universal Waste Management), requires that small and large quantity generators of universal wastes to train personal who handle universal wastes.
What are universal wastes?
Universal wastes are a subset of hazardous wastes. They must meet specific criteria, are widespread or widely-generated, commonly found in medium to large volumes, exhibit low-level hazard and are easily managed. Federal rules currently recognize the following types of universal wastes:
- batteries,
- pesticides,
- thermostats,
- lamps
- mercury-containing equipment (MCE) such as switches, barometers, meters, temperature gauges
For facilities that handle any amount of universal wastes (which in practice are most industrial, commercial and institutional organizations) the facility must inform all employees who handle or have responsibility for managing universal wastes of the proper handling and emergency procedures appropriate to the type(s) of universal wastes handled at the facility.
Typical services Caltha provides to LQG and SQG handlers of universal wastes in Wisconsin include:
- Presentation of Universal Waste training to affected employees
- Preparation of the facility emergency procedure(s)
- Determination of affected employees – who needs universal wastes training?
- Review and preparation of waste compliance programs
- Determination of disposal and recycling options
- Universal waste management program audits