Collecting, Processing and Recycling Universal Waste - Full Program

Waste is a natural by-product of the manufacturing process regardless of the product produced. Unfortunately, some waste may be hazardous, as it may harm individuals and the environment if handled or disposed improperly. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as state and local environmental agencies, tightly regulates hazardous waste and the facilities that generate it. One kind of hazardous waste is found nearly everywhere, from industrial and manufacturing sites to office buildings: “universal waste.” This course shows you how to ensure you safely store, handle, manage, and dispose of universal waste.

This course starts by explaining the four main types of universal wastes: spent or scrap batteries, lamps with mercury or lead, pesticides, and mercury-containing devices. State and local agencies may add to this list as well. Regulations governing universal waste are similar to those governing other hazardous wastes, but they grant concessions to the generator in order to facilitate recycling. This course goes on to explain the best practices for safe handling, storing and recycling universal wastes.

Universal waste should not be taken lightly simply because it may seem more benign than other forms of hazardous waste. It can still cause bodily and environmental damage, and there may be monetary penalties for those facilities who improperly handle universal waste. This course also prepares you to deal with emergency situations related to universal waste. Universal waste, by definition, is found nearly everywhere. This is why knowing how to interact with, and remediate, it is critical. Utilize this information presented here to safely deal with universal waste and stay complaint with EPA regulations.

   This course is in the Video On Demand format, to read about Video On Demand features click here.

All employees and contractors who handle or manage universal waste

• Introduction
• Universal Wastes - Defined
• Handling Universal Wastes
• Emergency Preparedness
• Recycling Universal Wastes
• Conclusion

• Universal Waste
• SPCC By The Numbers for General Industry
• Storm Warnings: Storm Water Pollution Prevention