Universal Waste Rule

It is important to note that each State in the United States can add different wastes and does not have to include all the U.S. Federal universal wastes. In other words, the States can modify the Federal Universal Waste Rule and add additional universal waste in individual state regulations. A waste generator should check with the State for the exact regulations that apply to the generator. 

In the United States, Federal and State initiatives are assisting the businesses and consumers in managing, reusing, recycling, and disposal of household batteries. These include the Universal Waste Rule and the Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act. 

Notably, the Universal Waste Rule did not reduce regulatory burdens on Ni-Cd recycling facilities. They continue to be required to have hazardous waste facility permits, facility closure plans and demonstrations of financial responsibility, employee training, storage requirements, and recordkeeping and reporting obligations. This is appropriate, as these facilities open the batteries and crush the constituents. Such activity, if done improperly, could represent a threat to human health and the environment. 

Universal waste rule was an amendment to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act regulations. It is designed to reduce the amount of hazardous waste items in the municipal solid waste stream. The rule encourages the recycling of certain common hazardous wastes and their proper disposal. Another objective of this rule is to reduce paperwork and other administrative requirements and regulatory burden on businesses that generate these wastes, and to save them compliance costs. 

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