Universal Waste
The Universal Waste Rule (UWR), 6 NYCRR Part 374-3, (link leaves DEC's website) is an alternate way of managing certain common types of hazardous wastes (otherwise they would be subject to all applicable requirements of Parts 370 through 374 and 376). Handlers may choose to manage eligible wastes under the UWR, or under ordinary hazardous waste regulations. In New York State, hazardous wastes of the following types may be managed as Universal Waste (UW):
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Batteries such as lead/acid, lead, nickel-cadmium, silver, lithium or mercury (Information on the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Act ).
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Certain pesticides that would otherwise be a hazardous waste.
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Thermostats and other mercury-containing equipment (MCE) (Additional information on thermostat management). MCE is included as Universal Waste by Commissioner's Policy 39, approved in 2006.
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Lamps (Additional information on hazardous waste lamp management).
A Universal Waste Handler does one or more of the following: generates, receives, stores, accumulates, and/or sends Universal Waste. A Universal Waste Destination Facility treats, disposes of, or recycles Universal Waste. A Universal Waste Transporter is involved in the transportation of Universal Waste.
More about Universal Waste:
- Small Quantity Handlers of Universal Waste - Any facility that stores less than 5,000 kg total of universal waste and does not dispose, dilute or treat the universal waste.
- Large Quantity Universal Waste Handlers - Any facility that stores at least 5,000 kg total of universal waste and does not dispose, dilute, or treat the universal waste.
- Universal Waste Destination Facilities - Any facility that treats, disposes of, or recycles a particular category of universal waste, other than the activities allowed to handlers.
- Universal Waste Transporters - Any person engaged in the off-site tranpsortation of universal waste.
