Universal waste management refers to the proper handling, storage, and disposal of certain types of hazardous waste, known as “universal waste.” Examples of universal waste include batteries, pesticides, mercury-containing equipment, and lamps (such as fluorescent bulbs).
The management of universal waste is regulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The regulations for universal waste management include guidelines for the storage, transportation, and disposal of universal waste, as well as requirements for employee training and record keeping.
The main objective of universal waste management is to protect public health and the environment from the potential hazards associated with these types of waste. This can be achieved by ensuring that universal waste is stored and transported in a manner that prevents leaks and spills, and by properly disposing of the waste in a way that minimizes the risk of environmental contamination.