Universal Waste

US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) promulgated the final rule (40 CFR 273) for “Universal Waste” that established streamlined collection and management requirements for universal waste batteries, pesticides, mercury-containing thermostats, mercury-containing fluorescent lamps, and other mercury-containing equipment such as thermometers, barometers, sphygmomanometers, and light switches. Accumulation rules are similar to those for chemical waste with the following exceptions:

  • The waste item or container is marked with the date of the earliest item added, along with the words ―Universal Waste and the waste type (e.g. ―Universal Waste Lamps).

To dispose of mercury thermometers, label as a Universal Waste Mercury Thermometer, place it in an appropriate container (box, ziplock bag, etc.), date, and submit as waste.

Training

Persons removing universal wastes (e.g., changing fluorescent lamps, or rechargeable or lead acid batteries) and those handling or managing the wastes are required to have annual training in managing these wastes. Universal Waste Training Module in Reporter.

Collection and Management

A list of collection points for Universal Waste Lamps has been designated and is discussed below.  

Areas that generate or accumulate small amounts of Universal Waste at a time (i.e. labs, departmental offices, and Athletics) should submit their waste for pick up via EHSA.  Areas that generate Universal Waste Pesticides or batteries should contact EHS to determine the best management practice for those materials.  Note: Scheduled pick ups will be canceled in the event of a Holiday, closure, or severe weather.

Universal Waste Lamps

Pickup locations for Universal Waste Lamps are loading docks at the following buildings:

  • Watauga
  • Poe Hall
  • Daniels Hall
  • D. H. Hill Library
  • Polk Hall
  • Williams Hall
  • Phytotron 
  • Talley Student Center
  • Biltmore
  • Fountain Dining Hall
  • Central Receiving Warehouse
  • Textiles
  • EB III
  • USDA (Ligon Street)
  • College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Dearstyne Collection Center
  • Central Receiving Warehouse

Contact env-health-haz-waste@ncsu.edu with any questions.

Helpful Links

Waste Reduction and Recycling  maintains a “what to do…” list that details how to recycle or properly dispose of many items at NC State.

Safety Quick Facts, Fluorescent Lamps and Bulbs 

The US Environmental Protection Agency issued a July 1999 final rule regulating mercury containing fluorescent
lamps/bulbs, including but not limited to, high intensity discharge lamps, neon lamps, mercury vapor lamps,
high pressure sodium lamps, or metal halide lamps, in concentrations that exceed the US EPA regulatory limit
(0.2 ppm) as a Universal Waste. The result is the following list of standards for collecting, storing, and
transporting the lamps.

Personnel responsible for replacing or removing fluorescent lamps shall:

  • Remove lamps from the fixture without breaking;
  • Place spent lamps into empty fluorescent lamp boxes or a box supplied by EH&S Environmental Affairs (EH&S);
  • Label and clearly mark on the box one of the following:
    • “Universal Waste-Lamps”
    • “Waste Lamps”
    • “Used Lamps”
  • Mark on the box the earliest date that the first lamp was placed into the container;
  • Ensure that the container is closed at all times except when lamps are added or removed from the container; and
  • Place containers of spent lamps in designated areas and submit for pick up by EH&S. Lamp boxes should be submitted for pick up within 6 months of the start date.
  • Place any broken lamps into a container, seal, label, date, and submit for pick up by EH&S.
  • Faculty, staff, or students who occasionally need to dispose of mercury-containing lamps should contact EH&S for assistance.
  • Incorrect Storage of Lamps
    • Bulb not stored in closed boxes and boxes not labeled and dated.
  • Correct Storage of Lamps
    • Bulbs stored in labeled and dated closed boxes
  • Contact: 9195156859

Aerosol Can Management

  • Types of Aerosol Cans
    • Aerosol spray cans are located across campus to help support NCSU’s mission and activities.
    • They can come in many shapes and sizes.
    • Types of aerosol cans include paints, solvents, food products, adhesives and cleaning products.
  • Handling and Storage Requirements
    • Handle aerosol cans with care and avoid puncturing or crushing them. Use in well-ventilated areas and wear appropriate protective gear, as specified in the SDS.
    • Keep aerosol cans away from open flames, sparks, hot surfaces, heat, or any other ignition sources to prevent fire hazards.
    • Store aerosol cans in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Avoid stacking cans too high to prevent tipping or crushing.
  • Disposal Guidelines
    • Throwing aerosol cans in the trash is not allowed at NCSU. All unwanted aerosol cans (unused, partially used, damaged, and empty) must be collected as hazardous waste through the EHSA system. Aerosol cans contain chemicals that can be harmful to people and the environment if not disposed of properly, which is why their collection as hazardous waste is required.
  • To properly submit aerosol cans for collection:
    1. Visit go.ncsu.edu/ehsa
    2. Log in using your credentials or register if needed.
    3. Submit a pickup request using “aerosol
      cans” as the chemical description.

 

NCSU Surplus Guidelines

Some equipment and material may not be appropriate for resale due to the presence of
hazardous materials, characteristics, or regulatory constraints. It is the responsibility
of the equipment owner to ensure that all oils, coolants, and other hazardous materials
have been removed prior to submitting the item for disposition through surplus.
Items that may be contaminated by chemical, biological, or radioactive material must
be cleaned and inspected prior to submission to surplus.