1. Universal Waste Training
Alfred University
Environmental Health & Safety

2. Why are we here?
Universal Waste Training Requirement for Small Quantity Handlers:
New York State requires that: “A small quantity handler of universal waste must inform all employees who handle or have responsibility for managing universal waste. The information must describe proper handling and emergency procedures appropriate to the type(s) of universal waste handled at the facility.” (6NYCRR (g))

3. What are Universal Wastes?
Universal Wastes are certain hazardous wastes that are universally generated in large quantities by industrial facilities but present a limited hazard.
They are exempt from the hazardous waste regulations, but must still be managed separately from general trash.

4. What are Universal Wastes? (cont.)
There are five (5) categories of universal waste, which include:
lamps
lamp ballasts;
universal waste batteries;
pesticides; and
mercury-containing equipment.

5. Universal Waste Lamps Universal waste lamps consist of:
fluorescent lamps and ballasts;
high intensity lamps;
neon lamps;
mercury vapor lamps;
high pressure sodium lamps; and
metal halide lamps.
Incandescent bulbs are non-hazardous and may be thrown in regular trash.

6. Universal Waste Lamps Proper Handling Procedures
Lamps must be placed in containers or packages that are structurally sound, adequate to prevent breakage, and compatible with the contents of the lamps, i.e. fiber box or drum.
It is common practice across AU and recommended that the original box which the lamp was purchased in be used to store the waste lamp. Therefore, please ensure that you keep these containers.
Containers and packages must remain closed unless adding or removing lamps and must lack evidence of leakage, spillage or damage that could cause leakage under reasonably foreseeable conditions.
Do not tear the flaps off of the lamp containers and tape the flaps closed when lamps are not being added to the container.

7. Universal Waste Lamps Proper Handling Procedures (Cont.)
As soon as the first lamp (if multiple lamps are being stored in a single container) is placed in the container then the container must be labeled with the words Universal Waste-Lamp(s) and must be dated.
Dependant on how your Division is set-up, you may either bring the universal waste to a designated storage area or create a designated storage area where the waste is generated.
There is a one year limit that universal waste lamps can be stored at AU.
Universal waste labels may be downloaded from the following EH&S web site link:
Note: There are different labels and palette contents list for AU and NYS College of Ceramics at AU with different addresses. Make sure you use the correct label and list for your containers and palettes.

8. Universal Waste Lamps Emergency Procedures
If a lamp breaks or shows evidence of leakage, spillage, or damage you must:
immediately clean up the broken lamp and place the pieces or damaged lamp in a UN approved container;
the containers must be closed, structurally sound, and compatible with the contents of the lamps;
The containers must lack evidence of leakage, spillage or damage that could cause leakage or releases of mercury or other hazardous constituents to the environment under reasonably foreseeable conditions.

9. Universal Waste Lamps Emergency Procedures (Cont.)
The container would now be classified as a hazardous waste and must be managed accordingly. This includes properly labeling the container and ensuring that it is brought to a Central Accumulation Area within 72 hours of the full date. The date that the container is brought to the CAA should be filled in on the label.
SAA, Chemical and Hazardous Waste labels may be downloaded from the following EH&S web site link:

10. Universal Waste Lamps Emergency Procedures (Cont.)
How should I clean up a broken fluorescent bulb?
1. Open a window and leave the room for 15 minutes or more.
2. Carefully scoop up the fragments and powder with stiff paper or cardboard and place them in a sealed plastic bag.
Use disposable rubber gloves, if available (i.e., do not use bare hands). Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes and place them in the plastic bag.
Do not use a vacuum or broom to clean up the broken bulb on hard surfaces.
3. Place all cleanup materials in a second sealed plastic bag.
Place the first bag in a second sealed plastic bag and put it in the outdoor trash container or in another outdoor protected area for the next normal trash disposal.
Note: some states prohibit such trash disposal and require that broken and unbroken lamps be taken to a local recycling center.
Wash your hands after disposing of the bag.
4. If a fluorescent bulb breaks on a rug or carpet:
First, remove all materials you can without using a vacuum cleaner, following the steps above. Sticky tape (such as duct tape) can be used to pick up small pieces and powder.
If vacuuming is needed after all visible materials are removed, vacuum the area where the bulb was broken, remove the vacuum bag (or empty and wipe the canister) and put the bag or vacuum debris in two sealed plastic bags in the outdoor trash or protected outdoor location for normal disposal.

11. Universal Waste Lamp Ballasts Proper Handling Procedures
Store universal waste ballasts in a UN approved 5 gallon plastic container with the proper label affixed and filled-out.
Separate PCB containing ballasts from non-PCB containing and note on the label.
When container is full write the total number of ballasts in that container on the label.

12. Universal Waste Lamp Ballasts Proper Handling Procedures (Cont.)
When the first ballast is placed in the container the container must be labeled with the words Universal Waste-Ballasts and must be dated.
Dependant on how your Division is set- up, you may either bring the universal waste to a designated storage area or create a designated storage area where the waste is generated.
There is a one year limit that universal waste ballasts can be stored at AU.
Universal waste labels may be downloaded from the following EH&S web site link:
Note: There are different labels and palette contents list for AU and NYS College of Ceramics at AU with different addresses. Make sure you use the correct label and list for your containers and palettes.

13. Universal Waste Lamp Ballast Emergency Procedures
If the casing of a ballast is breached or shows evidence of leakage, spillage, or damage, the ballast and any associated spilled material must be placed in a UN approved container. The container must be closed, structurally sound, compatible with the contents of the battery, and must lack evidence of leakage, spillage, or damage that could cause leakage under reasonably foreseeable conditions.
The container would now be classified as a hazardous waste and must be managed accordingly. This includes properly labeling the container and ensuring that it is brought to a Central Accumulation Area within 72 hours of the full date. The date that the container is brought to the CAA should be filled in on the label.
SAA, Chemical or Hazardous Waste labels may be downloaded from the following EH&S web site link:

14. Universal Waste Batteries
Universal Waste Batteries consist of:
Nickel-Cadmium batteries;
Metal hydride batteries;
Lead-acid batteries;
Silver oxide
Mercury oxide;
Lithium;
Zinc air; and
Zinc carbon.
These batteries are commonly used in pagers, cell phones, cameras, and computers.
Alkaline batteries (e.g., AA, AAA, C, etc.) are non-hazardous and may be thrown in regular trash

15. Universal Waste Batteries Proper Handling Procedures
It is recommended that universal waste batteries be stored in a UN approved 5 gallon plastic container with the proper label affixed and filled-out.
Cover positive and negative terminals (electricians tape or a similar material works well) prior to placing in the container.

16. Universal Waste Batteries Proper Handling Procedures (Cont.)
If you choose to label each battery individually, then you must label each with the words Universal Waste-Batteries and with the date it became a waste.
If you choose to place each battery in a larger container, then as soon as the first battery is placed in the container the container must be labeled with the words Universal Waste-Batteries and must be dated.
Dependant on how your Division is set- up, you may either bring the universal waste to a designated storage area or create a designated storage area where the waste is generated.
There is a one year limit that universal waste batteries can be stored at AU.
Universal waste labels may be downloaded from the following EH&S web site link:
Note: There are different labels and palette contents list for AU and NYS College of Ceramics at AU with different addresses. Make sure you use the correct label and list for your containers and palettes.

17. Universal Waste Batteries Emergency Procedures
If the casing of a battery is breached or shows evidence of leakage, spillage, or damage, the battery and any associated spilled material must be placed in a UN approved container. The container must be closed, structurally sound, compatible with the contents of the battery, and must lack evidence of leakage, spillage, or damage that could cause leakage under reasonably foreseeable conditions.
The container would now be classified as a hazardous waste and must be managed accordingly. This includes properly labeling the container and ensuring that it is brought to a Central Accumulation Area within 72 hours of the full date. The date that the container is brought to the CAA should be filled in on the label.
SAA, Chemical or Hazardous Waste labels may be downloaded from the following EH&S web site link:

18. Universal Waste Pesticides
No AU employee should have any pesticides in storage unless they are certified with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to apply such pesticides.
Pesticide is defined as “any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest, or intended for use as a plant regulator, defoliant, or desiccant.”

19. Universal Waste Pesticides Proper Handling Procedures
Universal waste pesticides must be contained in a properly labeled container that remains closed, structurally sound, compatible with the pesticide, and that lacks evidence of leakage, spillage, or damage that could cause leakage under reasonably foreseeable conditions.
If the original manufacturers container does not meet this requirement then this unacceptable container must be over-packed in a container that does meet this requirement.

20. Universal Waste Pesticides Proper Handling Procedures (Cont.)
Each universal waste pesticide container must be labeled or marked clearly with:
The label that was on or accompanied the product as sold or distributed; and the words “Universal Waste - Pesticides.”
The date the pesticide was classified as a waste. There is a one year limit that universal waste pesticides can be stored at AU.
Dependant on how your Division is set- up, you may either bring the universal waste to a designated storage area or create a designated storage area where the waste is generated.
Universal waste labels may be downloaded from the following EH&S web site link:
Note: There are different labels and palette contents list for AU and NYS College of Ceramics at AU with different addresses. Make sure you use the correct label and list for your containers and palettes.

21. Universal Waste Pesticides Emergency Procedures
If the container storing universal waste pesticides is breached or shows evidence leakage, spillage, or damage, the pesticide and any associated spilled material must be immediately placed in a UN approved container. The container must be closed, structurally sound, compatible with the contents of the battery, and must lack evidence of leakage, spillage, or damage that could cause leakage under reasonably foreseeable conditions.
The container would now be classified as a hazardous waste and must be managed accordingly. This includes properly labeling the container and ensuring that it is brought to a Central Accumulation Area within 72 hours of the full date. The date that the container is brought to the CAA should be filled in on the label..
SAA, Chemical or Hazardous Waste labels may be downloaded from the following EH&S web site link:

22. Universal Waste Mercury-Containing Equipment
Mercury-Containing Equipment (MCE) is defined a device or part of a device that contains elemental mercury integral to its function.
Various types of MCE waste include instruments that are used in industry, hospitals and households.
Some commonly recognized items include, but are not limited to, thermometers, thermostats, barometers, manometers, temperature and pressure gauges, and mercury switches.

23. Universal Waste Mercury-Containing Equipment Proper Handling Procedures
Universal waste MCE must be managed in a way that prevents releases of any universal waste or component of a universal waste to the environment.
The MCE must be labeled with the words “Universal Waste – Mercury-Containing Equipment” and must also be labeled with the date they became a waste. There is a one year limit that universal waste MCE can be stored at AU.
Dependant on how your Division is set- up, you may either bring the universal waste to a designated storage area or create a designated storage area where the waste is generated.
Universal waste labels may be downloaded from the following EH&S web site link:
Note: There are different labels and palette contents list for AU and NYS College of Ceramics at AU with different addresses. Make sure you use the correct label and list for your containers and palettes.

24. Universal Waste Mercury-Containing Equipment Emergency Procedures
Any universal waste MCE that shows evidence of leakage, spillage, or damage that could cause leakage under reasonably foreseeable conditions must be placed in a UN approved container. The container must be closed, structurally sound, compatible with the contents of the MCE and must lack evidence of leakage, spillage, or damage that could cause leakage under reasonably foreseeable conditions.
The container would now be classified as a hazardous waste and must be managed accordingly. This includes properly labeling the container and ensuring that it is immediately brought to a 90-day hazardous waste vault. The date that the containers is brought to the vault should be filled in on the label.
SAA, Chemical or Hazardous Waste labels may be downloaded from the following EH&S web site link:

25. General Rule
Keep in mind that materials you use at home for your personal use and dispose of in your household trash may be considered hazardous when used and disposed of at AU
Always think before you throw something in the trash at AU – Contact EH&S at x2190 if you have questions about proper disposal of any waste, material, products or chemicals.

26. Universal Waste Transport Preparations at Alfred University
Typical Universal Waste Pick-up Locations – Music Annex and Binns-Merrill Hall loading dock
Pick-up Requirements:
1) Universal waste containers must be palletized and plastic-wrapped prior to loading on transport vehicle.
2) A fork truck and driver will need to be available at time of pick-up for loading
3) Each universal waste container must be appropriately labeled and each universal waste palette must have a completed universal waste palette contents list filed with EH&S at least five days in advance of the scheduled pick-up date.
Note: There are different labels and palette contents list for AU and NYS College of Ceramics at AU with different addresses. Make sure you use the correct label and list for your containers and palettes.

27. Emergency Response Alfred University Emergency Response Information:
In the event of an emergency (e.g., fire, spill, leaking waste containers) – reference emergency information folder,
Alfred University Emergency Response Information:
Call 911 (9-911 from campus phones) and Public Safety at x2108
Secure and exit the area
Activate building alarm system if deemed
necessary
Meet emergency responders

28. Alfred University Resources
AU EH&S Web Links:
AU Public Safety Web Link:
UN Approved Containers (for reference only):
Additional Links:

29. Enforcement, Fines & Penalties
Two regulatory agencies that oversee universal waste compliance in New York are:
State - NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC)
Federal – United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
*Both can proceed with civil or criminal prosecution for hazardous waste violations

30. Enforcement, Fines & Penalties (cont.)
Individuals may be criminally prosecuted for knowingly:
Transporting waste to non-permitted facility
Improper disposal of hazardous wastes/universal waste (including down drain, in general trash, etc.)
Making false statements on any label, record, report or other form used for compliance purposes
Individual criminal penalties may consist of:
$50,000 fine for each day of violation, and/or
Prison sentence of 2-5 years

31. Questions: Universal Wastes are considered to?
Pose limited hazard but are still a form of hazardous waste.
Be extremely hazardous and pose a serious threat.
Pose no hazard and can be thrown in the trash.
Not be found anywhere on our campus.
All of the following are classified as Universal Waste except?
Lamps.
Mercury Manometer.
Pesticides.
Computer monitor.

32. Questions continued: Universal waste must be?
In a structurally sound UN approved container to prevent spillage.
Labeled as universal waste.
Stored on campus for less than 1 year.
All of the above.
If a universal waste lamp breaks or shows evidence of leakage, spillage or damage it now must be labeled as?
Universal waste.
Hazardous waste and placed in Central Accumulation Area when UN approved storage container is full.
Broken.
Not labeled and thrown away immediately.

33. Questions continued:
Which of the following would be considered Mercury-Containing Equipment?
Barometer.
Thermostat.
Thermometer.
All of the above.
True/False. An alkaline battery is considered non-hazardous and can be put in the general waste stream (trash).

34. Questions continued:
Which of the following lamps/bulbs are not classified as universal waste?
fluorescent lamps.
high intensity lamps.
neon lamps.
Incandescent bulbs.
True/False. Those things that you use at home and dispose of in your trash could be considered hazardous waste here at AU.

35. Questions continued:
The two regulatory agencies that oversee universal waste compliance are?
NYSERDA and NRC
NYS DEC and the US EPA
Alfred Fire Department and NIOSH
OSHA and NFPA.
Which is the proper way to manage Universal Waste Batteries?
Place each battery in a container and label the container.
Label each battery separately.
Do not label either the individual battery or the container.
Either a or b.

36. Please complete this answer sheet for the quiz questions, obtain
supervisor ‘s signature, sign and date at the bottom of this answer sheet and campus mail to: Myers Hall Rm. 117, EH&S or fax to: x2086.
Instructions: Using a blue or black pen, place a circle around the best answer.
A B C D
True False
True False
10) A B C D
Note: Universal Waste training at AU is required upon hire and annually thereafter. AU employees who typically manage universal waste are physical plant, maintenance, custodians and technicians. You will receive credit for this training once the EH&S office has received and scored your quiz.
Print Name: _______________________________
Signature: ________________________________
Date: ______________________
Supervisor Signature: _________________________