The Management of Universal Waste in Wisconsin

Presented by: Daniels Training Services

For: The Plant & Facilities Maintenance Association – Milwaukee Chapter

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE HAZARDOUS WASTE REGULATIONS

In order to understand the Universal Waste regulations, you must know the basis for, and the purpose of, the hazardous waste regulations.

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Regulatory Agencies

• USEPA regulates environmental protection nationwide.

• Approved State programs may be more stringent and more broad.

• In Wisconsin: The WDNR regulates hazardous waste.

40 CFR 239-299

Ch. NR 660-679

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The Hazardous Waste Determination

• The generator of a waste, any waste, must determine what, if any, hazards it contains.

• This process must be documented and records retained.

What are Hazardous Waste?

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D001

F-CodesK-Codes

P & U Codes

D004-D043D003

D002

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What is Cradle to Grave?

• If you generate a hazardous waste, regulations are applicable throughout its lifecycle.

FOREVER!!!

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE UNIVERSAL WASTE REGULATIONS

The Universal Waste regulations were created to provide generators of hazardous waste with an option for management of certain hazardous waste. This section will address the purpose of Universal Waste and its place within the RCRA regulations. Later we will discuss specific Universal Waste management requirements.

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Conditions for use of theUniversal Waste Option

1. Must be a waste.– Used, spent, to be discarded, no longer acceptable

for its intended use, etc.2. Must be a hazardous waste.– Exhibits one or more of the characteristics

identified in Subchapter C of NR 661.• Ignitable, Corrosive, Reactive, or Toxic.

– Or, listed in Subchapter D of NR 661.3. Some waste-specific determinations as well.

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Federal Universal Waste

• Currently four (4):1. Batteries.2. Lamps.3. Mercury-containing

devices.4. Pesticides.• US EPA may add to this list.• States may create their

own Universal Waste.40 CFR 273

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Wisconsin Universal Waste

• Wisconsin has accepted the original Federal Universal Wastes:

1. Batteries.2. Lamps.3. Mercury thermostats.4. Pesticides.

ch. NR 673And…

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Wisconsin Specific Universal Waste

• Are not identified as universal waste in ch. NR 673.• WDNR chooses to enforce the regulations pertaining

to them in a manner similar to universal wastes.– This is an “Enforcement Discretion”.

• They include:1. Used antifreeze destined for recycling.2. Mercury-containing devices.

And…

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And One More

• eWaste is not a Universal Waste, but may be managed in a similar manner if requirements are met.

And…That’s it.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF UNIVERSAL WASTE IN WISCONSIN

In this section we will review the regulatory requirements for generators of any Universal Waste in Wisconsin.

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Universal Waste – Handler StatusSmall Quantity Handler• Generate or receive

for consolidation.• Accumulate <5,000 kg

of Universal Waste.

Large Quantity Handler• Generate or receive for

consolidation.• Accumulate ≥5,000 kg

of Universal Waste.

Transporter• Transport and store at

Transfer Facility for ≤10 days.

Destination Facility• Recycle, treat, or

dispose.

Status remains for calendar year

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Handler-SpecificUniversal Waste Requirements

Small Quantity Handler• US EPA ID # not

required.• Inform employees of

proper handling and emergency procedures.

• Not required to track off-site shipments.

Large Quantity Handler• US EPA ID # required.• Ensure all employees

are “thoroughly familiar” with proper waste handling & emergency procedures.

• Must track off-site shipments.

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Universal Waste HandlerGeneral Requirements

• Containers & tanks in good condition.

• Manage to minimize breakage.

Universal WasteMercury Containing

Devices

10.16.12

UniversalWaste

Batteries

10.16.12

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Requirements in the Event of a Spill

• Immediately contain all releases of UW.

• Determine if any material resulting from the release is a hazardous waste.

• Spilled UW may no longer be subject to management as Universal Waste.

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Universal Waste Labeling

• Must label as:– “Universal Waste

“– “Waste “– “Used

“

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Universal Waste On-SiteAccumulation Time Limit

• One year of on-site accumulation.– “Longer if solely to

facilitate disposal.”– Translation: You

may wait until you have enough waste to justify a shipment.

ch. NR 673.15

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Off-Site Shipments of Universal Waste

• Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest not required.

• Must determine if it’s a DOT hazardous material.

• Must ship to another UW Handler or Destination Facility.

• If you self-transport UW, must comply with Transporter regulations.

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Universal Waste Handler Prohibitions

• May not dispose, treat, recycle, or dilute Universal Waste.

• Disposal, treatment, etc. can only be done by a Destination Facility.

• Some on-site management of UW is allowed.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF UNIVERSAL WASTE IN WISCONSIN

Though very similar, each type of Universal Waste has its own regulations which may differ in how you may manage the waste on-site. And, though similar, the Federal regulations of the US EPA may differ from those of the WDNR.

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What is a Universal Waste Battery?• Includes:– NiCad, lead acid,

lithium, mercury, silver, etc.

• Doesn’t include:1. Non-hazardous

(alkaline) batteries.2. Lead acid batteries

being reclaimed if managed per:

ch. NR 666.080

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Management ofUniversal Waste Batteries

• Containers needed only if evidence of leakage.

• Bag batteries or tape terminals for shipment to meet US DOT requirements.

UniversalWaste

Batteries

10.16.12

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Management ofUniversal Waste Batteries

• Handler (Large or Small) may conduct any of the following (next slide), as long as:

1. The casing of each battery cell is not breached, remains intact, and closed, except…

2. Cells may be opened to remove electrolyte but shall be immediately closed after removal.

Next slide

ch. NR 673.13(1)(b)

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Management ofUniversal Waste Batteries

– Sort batteries by type.– Mix battery types in one container.– Discharge electric charge from batteries.– Regenerate used batteries.– Disassemble batteries or battery packs.– Remove batteries from consumer products.– Remove electrolyte from batteries.

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What is a Universal Waste Mercury Containing Devices?

•Includes:– Thermometers,

thermostats, switches, gauges, more...

• Doesn’t include:– Liquid metallic

mercury.– Spill clean-up.

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Management of Universal WasteMercury-Containing Devices

• Containers needed only if evidence of leakage.

• Non-metallic container with tight-fitting lid recommended.

• Spill kit recommended.Universal

WasteMercury

ContainingDevices

10.16.12

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Management of Universal WasteMercury-Containing Devices

• Handler (Large or Small) may remove Hg-containing ampules, as long as:– Remove in a manner designed to prevent breakage.– Remove only over or in a containment device.– Hg clean up system readily available.– Transfer spilled Hg to approved container.– Area is well ventilated and monitored.– Employees “thoroughly familiar” with Hg handling and

spill response.– Removed ampules stored in closed, non-leaking

containers in good condition with packing materials to prevent breakage. ch. NR 673.13(3)(b)

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What is a Universal Waste Lamp?

• Includes all lamps that may be a hazardous waste:– Fluorescents, HIDs,

high pressure sodium, neon, mercury vapor, metal halide, etc.

• Some states not as broad in description as WI.

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Management ofUniversal Waste Lamps

• Containers with lid required.

• Some breakage OK.– Clean up promptly.– Store in sealed

container.– Check with your

recycler.

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Crushing of Universal Waste Lamps

• Strongly discouraged by WDNR, but allowed w/o permit if crushed lamps…

1. Legitimately recycled.2. Managed as hazardous

waste.• Also:– Air emissions may be

an OSHA concern.– Air filters may be

hazardous waste.

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What is Universal WasteUsed Antifreeze?

• Includes:– Used engine coolant.– Used ethylene glycol.– Used propylene glycol.

• Contains heavy metals:– Lead.– Cadmium.– Chromium.

• Must be destined for recycling.

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Management of Universal WasteUsed Antifreeze

• Containers & tanks must be closed unless adding or removing.

• Label: “Used Antifreeze”.• Report spills to the WI

Division of Emergency Management: 800.943.0003.

• Train employees similar to LQH, ie: “thoroughly familiar…”

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What is eWaste?

• Includes:– Computers, accessories,

TV’s, cell phones, printers, fax machines, DVD players, VCR’s, etc.

• Is not a Universal Waste in Wisconsin.

• If sent to legitimate recycler, eWaste is not discarded; ie. is not a waste. eWaste is banned

from Landfill in WI

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Consolidation & Storage of eWaste

• Container not required.• Store to protect from

weather and minimize breakage.

• Label to identify contents.• Store on-site for no longer

than one year.• Train employees to

prevent breakage and safely clean up.

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Demanufacturing orDisassembly of eWaste

• To manually break down into parts for resale, reuse, or to sort for further recycling.

• In general, no DNR approvals or licensing required.• Includes:– Removing & sorting batteries.– Removing metal & plastics & shredding, sorting,

grading, compacting or bailing.– Removing fluorescent or other lamps.

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Processing of eWaste

• Activities that change the chemical or physical makeup of a hazardous electronic component.

• May require permit and license from WDNR.• Includes:– Smelting or thermal treatment to reclaim metals.– Chemical treatment to reclaim metals.– Shredding circuit boards.– Breaking vacuum of CRT’s.

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING UNIVERSAL WASTE IN WISCONSIN

This presentation has been a summary of the applicable regulations in Wisconsin. Be sure to check with the WDNR regarding any site-specific practices at your facility and the corresponding regulatory requirements. Additional sources of guidance information are available.

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More in ch. NR 673

• Subchapter D: Transporters.• Subchapter E: Destination Facilities.• Subchapter F: Imports.• Subchapter G: Petitions to include Other Wastes

Under this Chapter.

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For More Information:

Electronics recycling webpages: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Ecycle/Crushing universal waste lamps:http://www.epa.gov/wastes/hazard/wastetypes/universal/lamps/lamp-recycling2-09.pdfWDNR guidance – Managing Used Antifreeze:http://dnr.wi.gov/files/PDF/pubs/wa/WA356.pdfWDNR website – Managing eWaste:http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Ecycle/business.html

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For More Information:

Managing Cathode Ray Tubes:http://dnr.wi.gov/files/PDF/pubs/wa/wa1307.pdfWDNR Recycling Newsletter:http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Recycling/updates.htmlWI Extension guidance – WI Universal Waste:http://www4.uwm.edu/shwec/recyclingtoolkit/PDF/WisconsinUniversalWasteManagement.pdf

ANY QUESTIONS ON UNIVERSAL WASTE IN WISCONSIN?

This concludes the presentation for Handlers of Universal Waste in Wisconsin

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