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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

EPA streamlines requirements for universal wastes

Journal Article · · Pollution Engineering; (United States)
OSTI ID:6474448
 [1]
  1. Technical Group Inc., Washington, DC (United States)
The Universal Waste rule issued Feb. 11, 1993, fosters the recycling of certain universal wastes typically discarded by consumers. Because these wastes are disposed of from households, they are excluded from hazardous waste regulation under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). However, any commercial entity that accepts these wastes is subject to full RCRA regulation. Hence, there has been little incentive to recycle these wastes. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has concluded certain universal wastes are hazardous and are predominantly generated in municipal settings both household and commercial. These wastes could benefit from and safely be managed under a regulatory scheme less burdensome than the full RCRA Subtitle C program now applicable to these waters. The Universal Waste rule proposes requirements for used nickel-cadmium and small, sealed lead-acid batteries and canceled pesticides. The Agency is considering expanding the scope of the rule to other forms of universal wastes, including antifreeze and light bulbs.
OSTI ID:
6474448
Journal Information:
Pollution Engineering; (United States), Journal Name: Pollution Engineering; (United States) Vol. 25:12; ISSN PLENBW; ISSN 0032-3640
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English