Q: What is universal waste?
A: Universal waste is a specific type of hazardous waste that is
subject to more relaxed standards of accumulation, recordkeeping
and shipping requirements than those of "normal" hazardous
wastes.
Q: What types of waste are considered to be universal
waste?
A: Batteries, Pesticides, Thermostats, Fluorescent Lights,
Mercury-Containing Equipment (including thermostats), and Paint and
Paint Related Waste.
Q: What is a Universal Waste Handler?
A: A Universal Waste Handler can be either a generator of universal
waste OR a facility which collects universal waste from
other handlers before shipping it to an approved facility for
treatment, disposal or recycling.
Q: What is a Small Quantity Handler of Universal
Waste?
A: A small quantity universal waste handler is a universal waste
handler that does not accumulate more than 5,000 kg (11,000 lbs) or
more of TOTAL universal waste at any one time.
Q: What is a Large Quantity Handler of Universal
Waste?
A: A large quantity universal waste handler is a universal waste
handler that accumulates 5,000 kg (11,000 lbs) or more of
TOTAL universal waste at any one time.
Q: If my facility accumulates more than 5,000 kg of universal
waste only once in a year, do I have to retain the Large Quantity
Handler designation for the rest of the year?
A: Yes, the designation stays with the facility through the end of
the calendar year.
Q: Do I need to register with TCEQ if I generate universal
waste?
A: Only if you are a Large Quantity Handler and you are not
currently registered with the TCEQ as a hazardous waste
generator.
Q: Does universal waste count toward my hazardous waste
generator status?
A: No, universal waste does not count toward your hazardous waste
generator status. UNLESS amounts are accumulated beyond the "one
year" limit. The "past due" wastes would then be subject to full
regulation as hazardous wastes.
Q: Does universal waste need to be identified on my
facility's NOR?
A: No, universal waste does not need to identified on your
facility's NOR. Registered facilities should amend their NOR to
remove the waste.
Q: Does universal waste need to be reported on my annual
waste summary?
A: No, universal waste does not need to be reported on your
facility's annual waste summary.
Q: How much universal waste am I allowed to
accumulate?
A: There is no limit on the amount of universal waste you can
accumulate. However, the waste must be accumulated in an
environmentally responsible manner so that no leaks or spills
occur.
Q: How long can I accumulate universal waste before it must
be shipped from my facility?
A: Universal waste may be accumulated at your facility for up to
one year from the time it is generated or received from another
handler. This time limit may be extended if the handler can prove
that the extension was necessary in order to facilitate proper
recovery, treatment or disposal.
Q: How do I document that I have not exceeded the one year
accumulation time limit?
A: You may use any method so long as it clearly demonstrates the
length of time that the universal waste was accumulated. Some
suggested methods include, labeling , marking, and the use of
inventory or segregation systems. At a minimum, documentation for
each container on the accumulation start date must be
available.
Q: How must I label universal waste while it is being
accumulated?
A: Each material must be labled as follows:
- Batteries - Individual batteries or a container holding
multiple batteries must be marked with the words "Universal Waste
Battery(ies)" Or "Waste Battery(ies)" Or "Used Battery(ies)."
- Pesticides - Individual containers or packages holding multiple
pesticide containers must be marked with the words "Universal Waste
Pesticide(s)" Or "Waste Pesticide(s)."
- Thermostats - Individual thermostats or containers holding
multiple thermostats must be marked with the words "Waste Mercury
Thermostat(s)" or "Used Mercury Thermostat(s)."
- Paint and Paint Related Waste - Individual containers or
packages holding multiple containers must be marked with the words
"Universal Waste - Paint and Paint-Related Wastes." The
requirements of 40 CFR
265.17,
265.176 and
265.177*
also apply to paint or paint related waste
which is ignitable, reactive or incompatible.
- Fluorescent Lights - Individual containers or packages holding
multiple fluorescent lights must be marked with the words
"Universal Waste Fluorescent Light(s)" Or "Waste Fluorescent
Light(s)."
Q: What type of documentation do I need in order to ship or
transport universal waste?
A: Small Quantity Handlers are not required to manifest or keep
records of shipments of universal waste unless that waste is sent
to a destination outside of the United States. Large Quantity
Handlers must keep a record for each shipment sent to other
facilities. The record can be in the form of a log, invoice,
manifest, bill of lading or other shipping document.
Q: Must I use a TCEQ registered transporter to haul my
universal waste?
A: The TCEQ does not require transporters of universal waste to be
registered. You may use a common carrier to transport your
universal waste. Shipments would still be subject to Department of
Transportation standards.
*Most current version available online is July 1, 2002.
