How Does The Universal Waste Rule Apply To Your Precision Machining Shop?

Fluorescent light bulbs. Batteries.

These fall under the Category of Universal Waste.

Businesses must dispose of these items in accordance with rules for Universal Waste.

While there may be state or local disposal requirements as well, in this post we're going to address the federal requirements.

List of State Programs

Fluorescent Lamps

Fluorescent light bulbs save energy by producing more light for less wattage, requiring less energy and therefore less fuel burned.

However, the downside of this is the fact that these bulbs contain mercury, making disposal problematic. (When the mercury atoms are energized, they emit UV rays which cause the phosphors in the tube to glow (fluoresce) - producing visible light.)

Exposures to mercury can affect the human nervous system and harm the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, and immune system.

The point is to minimize release of vapor that may contain Mercury. Here are 5 steps for handling fluorescent 's under Universal Waste rules:

• Used lamps should be collected and packaged so as to minimize damage;
• Employees should be trained on the hazards and procedures involving these type of "universal waste;
• Used lamps may be collected and stored on site for up to one year for recycling- Check your local regulations- they may be more stringent.
• Shipments must be sent to a handler of universal waste or final recycling facility;
• Businesses may not otherwise dispose of, mix with other waste or 'treat" mercury containing lamps.

Break one - here is what the EPA says you need to do for both CFL's and Fluorescent tubes:

http://www.epa.gov/cfl/cflcleanup.html

Batteries

• Contain any leakage in a container that will not react with nor release the contents.
• Manage the waste in any way that is in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, if the waste is not hazardous.

Find battery recyclers near you.

Universal waste link: 40 CFR Part 273

List of State Programs

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Editor's Note: CR4 would like to thank Milo for contributing this blog entry, which originally appeared here.