Hazardous Waste Generation, Storage, and Transport - 40 CFR 261.5

It is important to identify and manage hazardous wastes properly to protect facility employees and others in the community, as well as the environment. If the facility is a hazardous waste generator, it is responsible for all steps in hazardous waste management, from generation to final disposal. The facility can be held liable for any mismanagement of wastes, even after they leave the facility. Therefore, it is important to know the facts.

In 1995, EPA issued the Universal Waste Rule as an amendment to RCRA to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses by providing an alternative and less stringent set of management standards for three types of waste that potentially would be regulated as hazardous.

For more information, check website: http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/id/univwast.htm)

Universal Waste Rule
On July 6, 1999, EPA issued a final rule called the universal waste rule. This rule provides alternative, less stringent procedures for several types of wastes such as batteries, pesticides, mercury thermostats and lamps including fluorescent. Copies of the rule and corresponding fact sheet can be obtained from the RCRA/UST, Superfund, EPCRA Hotline at 1-800-424-9346.

Businesses that produce less than 100 kg (220 lbs) of universal waste per month have the option of handling their universal waste under the universal waste regulations or as a Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator (CESQG). See 40 CFR 261.5.

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