The universal waste rules are intended to promote recycling as well as proper disposal by easing certain regulatory requirements such as waste evaluation and manifesting. When managing these wastes under the universal waste rules, a generator does not need to evaluate them, and they are not counted when determining the quantity of hazardous waste generated for the purposes of determining generator status. Furthermore, the nationally recognized universal wastes do not need to be transported on a hazardous waste manifest.

Universal wastes are specific hazardous waste streams that a generator can choose to manage in an alternative manner in place of the more complex hazardous waste requirements. These wastes are typically generated by numerous businesses, ordinarily in small quantities, and they present low hazards. Currently, Ohio has five categories of universal wastes recognized nationwide, and two additional types that are Ohio-specific universal wastes that may be managed under these reduced requirements. Lamps, suspended or Recalled Pesticides, mercury-containing devices, batteries, and aerosol cans are recognized nationwide. Antifreeze and paint and paint-related wastes are the Ohio-specific universal wastes. The Ohio-specific universal wastes also do not require the use of a hazardous waste manifest while in Ohio. If these wastes leave the state of Ohio, the generator would need to comply with the manifesting requirements for all states these wastes would travel within.

Resources

Related Webpages

• Obtaining a U.S. EPA ID Number
• Universal Waste Handler Requirements
• Fluorescent Lamps
• Ohio EPA Frequently Asked Questions - Enables users to search frequently asked questions, or submit their own question/comment on a variety of Ohio EPA issues and topics. This link is filtered to provide responses specific to universal waste.
• Ohio EPA Publications Catalog - Enables users to search for forms, guidance documents, publications, newsletters, checklists etc. on a variety of Ohio EPA issues and topics. The publications initially will be filtered for those related to universal waste.
• Ohio EPA Information Subscription Page
• Recycling web page
• Recyclers and Environmental Service Providers

On March 25, 2021, U.S. EPA published three new webpages on end-of-life management of lithium-ion and other batteries. The webpages cover household batteries of all types and a lithium-ion battery specific page, as well as frequent questions on lithium-ion batteries. These webpages contain information on the safe disposal and recycling of lithium-ion batteries for consumers, businesses, workers, and transporters, and management recommendations for single use, rechargeable, and automotive batteries that may be found in the home.

The battery webpages were created in response to the growing number of fires reported in the waste management process. One reason why fires start in garbage trucks and recycling facilities is because consumers mistakenly place their batteries in their home recycling bins and trash cans for disposal. The webpages emphasize that lithium-ion and most other household batteries do not belong in curbside trash or recycling, and instead should be sent to specialty recyclers or household hazardous waste facilities.

Rules

Rules and Laws

• Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) Chapter 3745-273 - Universal Waste Standards

Guidance

Guidance Documents, Fact Sheets, and Reports

Checklist

Universal Waste Inspection Checklist:

• UW SQH FULL CHECKLIST
• UW 72-HOUR RECYCLE MATERIALS STORAGE REQUIREMENTS
• UW LQH FULL CHECKLIST
• UW TRANSPORTER REQUIREMENTS

Contacts