What is considered “universal waste” under the EPA’s new guidelines?
When your business is heavily involved in generating and disposing of hazardous waste, you have to know all the ways to deal with these dangerous processes in a safe manner. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) created a program known as the universal waste program. Here is some more information about what universal waste is.
The Universal Waste Program
No matter what industry your business is in, it is likely that you will produce some of the same types of hazardous waste that a company in a different industry will generate as well. This reasoning is what led the EPA to organize the Universal Waste Program. The Universal Waste Program strives to make collection and disposal of this waste much easier and helps prevent these materials from entering already overburdened landfills and waste dump locations.
What Counts as Universal Waste?
So, with that in mind, the question becomes: What actually is “Universal Waste”? Three types of universal waste exist under current definitions: batteries, pesticides, and mercurized items – things that contain mercury or have come into contact with mercury and are no longer safe to handle and must be eliminated.
Designation of Handlers
When your company interacts with universal waste, it is the federal government’s duty to designate the different levels of handlers. If your company only generates a small quantity of universal waste, then it is called a small quantity handler. However, producing larger amounts of universal waste will lead the EPA to labeling your company as a large quantity handler. Either way, you will need the assistance of hazardous waste experts, such as the technicians and specialists from AEG Environmental to help you navigate the complexities of universal waste disposal in a safe and timely fashion.
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No matter what kind of environmental issue you may have, AEG Environmental can help. We handle every situation with care, dedication, and a commitment to exemplary customer service. When you have an emergency, you can rely on us! Need training? We can handle that too! We train in a wide variety of environmental management areas so that your company can remain compliant with EPA, DOT, and OSHA. Make sure to check out our blog for the latest and greatest in the waste management world! You should also follow us on social media for updates.
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