PDFWAC 173-303-573
Standards for universal waste management.
(1) Scope.
(a) This section establishes requirements for managing the following:
(i) Batteries as described in subsection (2) of this section;
(ii) Mercury-containing equipment as described in subsection (3) of this section; and
(iii) Lamps as described in subsection (5) of this section.
(b) This section provides an alternative set of management standards in lieu of regulation under the rest of this chapter except for WAC 173-303-050, 173-303-145, and 173-303-960.
(2) Applicability - Batteries.
(a) Batteries covered under this section.
(i) The requirements of this section apply to persons managing batteries, as described in WAC 173-303-040, except those listed in (b) of this subsection.
(ii) Spent lead-acid batteries which are not managed under WAC 173-303-120 (3)(f) and 173-303-520, are subject to management under this section.
(b) Batteries not covered under this section. The requirements of this section do not apply to persons managing the following batteries:
(i) Spent lead-acid batteries that are managed under WAC 173-303-120(3) and 173-303-520.
(ii) Batteries, as described in WAC 173-303-040, that are not yet wastes under WAC 173-303-016, 173-303-017, or 173-303-070, including those that do not meet the criteria for waste generation in (c) of this subsection.
(iii) Batteries, as described in WAC 173-303-040, that are not dangerous waste. A battery is a dangerous waste if it exhibits one or more of the characteristics or criteria identified in WAC 173-303-090 or 173-303-100.
(c) Generation of waste batteries.
(i) A used battery becomes a waste on the date it is discarded (for example, when sent for reclamation).
(ii) An unused battery becomes a waste on the date the handler decides to discard it.
(3) Applicability - Mercury-containing equipment.
(a) Mercury-containing equipment covered under this section. The requirements of this section apply to persons managing mercury-containing equipment, as described in WAC 173-303-040, except those listed in (b) of this subsection.
(b) Mercury-containing equipment not covered under this section. The requirements of this section do not apply to persons managing the following mercury-containing equipment:
(i) Mercury-containing equipment that is not yet a waste under WAC 173-303-016, 173-303-017, or 173-303-070. Paragraph (c) of this subsection describes when mercury-containing equipment becomes a waste;
(ii) Mercury-containing equipment that is not a dangerous waste. Mercury-containing equipment is a dangerous waste if it exhibits one or more of the characteristics or criteria identified in WAC 173-303-090 or 173-303-100; and
(iii) Equipment and devices from which the mercury-containing components have been removed.
(c) Generation of waste mercury-containing equipment.
(i) Used mercury-containing equipment becomes a waste on the date it is discarded.
(ii) Unused mercury-containing equipment becomes a waste on the date the handler decides to discard it.
(4) (Reserved.)
(5) Applicability - Lamps.
(a) Lamps covered under this section. The requirements of this section apply to persons managing lamps, as described in WAC 173-303-040, except those listed in (b) of this subsection.
(b) Lamps not covered under this section. The requirements of this section do not apply to persons managing the following lamps:
(i) Lamps that are not yet wastes under WAC 173-303-016, 173-303-017, or 173-303-070. Paragraph (c) of this subsection describes when lamps become wastes.
(ii) Lamps that are not dangerous waste. Lamps that do not exhibit one or more of the characteristics or criteria identified in WAC 173-303-090 or 173-303-100 are not dangerous waste.
(c) Generation of waste lamps.
(i) A used lamp becomes a waste on the date it is discarded.
(ii) An unused lamp becomes a waste on the date the handler decides to discard it.
(6) Applicability - Small quantity handlers of universal waste. Subsections (6) through (16) of this section apply to small quantity handlers of universal waste (as defined in WAC 173-303-040).
(7) Prohibitions.
A small quantity handler of universal waste is:
(a) Prohibited from disposing of universal waste; and
(b) Prohibited from diluting or treating universal waste, except by responding to releases as provided in subsection (13) of this section; or by managing specific wastes as provided in subsection (9) of this section.
(8) Notification.
A small quantity handler of universal waste is not required to notify the department of universal waste handling activities.
(9) Waste management.
(a) Universal waste batteries. A small quantity handler of universal waste must manage universal waste batteries in a way that prevents releases of any universal waste or component of a universal waste to the environment, as follows:
(i) A small quantity handler of universal waste must contain any universal waste battery that shows evidence of leakage, spillage, or damage that could cause leakage under reasonably foreseeable conditions in a 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.
(ii) A small quantity handler of universal waste may conduct the following activities as long as the casing of each individual battery cell is not breached and remains intact and closed (except that cells may be opened to remove electrolyte but must be immediately closed after removal):
(A) Sorting batteries by type;
(B) Mixing battery types in one container;
(C) Discharging batteries so as to remove the electric charge;
(D) Regenerating used batteries;
(E) Disassembling batteries or battery packs into individual batteries or cells;
(F) Removing batteries from consumer products; or
(G) Removing electrolyte from batteries.
(iii) A small quantity handler of universal waste who removes electrolyte from batteries, or who generates other solid waste (for example, battery pack materials, discarded consumer products) as a result of the activities listed above, must determine whether the electrolyte and/or other solid waste exhibit a characteristic or criteria of dangerous waste identified in WAC 173-303-090 or 173-303-100.
(A) If the electrolyte and/or other solid waste exhibit a characteristic or criteria of dangerous waste, it is subject to all applicable requirements of this chapter. The handler is considered the generator of the dangerous electrolyte and/or other waste and is subject to WAC 173-303-170 through 173-303-230.
(B) If the electrolyte or other solid waste is not dangerous, the handler may manage the waste in any way that is in compliance with applicable federal, state or local solid waste regulations.
(b) Universal waste mercury-containing equipment. A small quantity handler of universal waste must manage universal waste mercury-containing equipment in a way that prevents releases of any universal waste or component of a universal waste to the environment, as follows:
(i) A small quantity handler of universal waste must place in a container any universal waste mercury-containing equipment with noncontained elemental mercury or that shows evidence of leakage, spillage, or damage that could cause leakage under reasonably foreseeable conditions. The container must be closed, structurally sound, compatible with the contents of the device, must lack evidence of leakage, spillage, or damage that could cause leakage under reasonably foreseeable conditions, and must be reasonably designed to prevent the escape of mercury into the environment by volatilization or any other means.
(ii) A small quantity handler of universal waste may remove mercury-containing ampules from universal waste mercury-containing equipment provided the handler:
(A) Removes and manages the ampules in a manner designed to prevent breakage of the ampules;
(B) Removes the ampules only over or in a containment device (for example, tray or pan sufficient to collect and contain any mercury released from an ampule in case of breakage);
(C) Ensures that a mercury cleanup system is readily available to immediately transfer any mercury resulting from spills or leaks from broken ampules from that containment device to a container that meets the requirements of WAC 173-303-200;
(D) Immediately transfers any mercury resulting from spills or leaks from broken ampules from the containment device to a container that meets the requirements of WAC 173-303-200;
(E) Ensures that the area in which ampules are removed is well ventilated and monitored to ensure compliance with applicable OSHA exposure levels for mercury;
(F) Ensures that employees removing ampules are thoroughly familiar with proper waste mercury handling and emergency procedures, including transfer of mercury from containment devices to appropriate containers;
(G) Stores removed ampules in closed, nonleaking containers that are in good condition;
(H) Packs removed ampules in the container with packing materials adequate to prevent breakage during storage, handling, and transportation; and
(iii) A small quantity handler of universal waste mercury-containing equipment that does not contain an ampule may remove the open original housing holding the mercury from universal waste mercury-containing equipment provided the handler:
(A) Immediately seals the original housing holding the mercury with an airtight seal to prevent the release of any mercury to the environment; and
(B) Follows all requirements for removing ampules and managing removed ampules under (b)(ii) of this subsection; and
(iv)(A) A small quantity handler of universal waste who removes mercury-containing ampules from mercury-containing equipment or seals mercury from mercury-containing equipment in its original housing must determine whether the following exhibit a characteristic or criteria of dangerous waste identified in WAC 173-303-090 or 173-303-100:
(I) Mercury or cleanup residues resulting from spills or leaks; and/or
(II) Other solid waste generated as a result of the removal of mercury-containing ampules or housings (for example, the remaining mercury-containing device).
(B) If the mercury, residues, and/or other solid waste exhibit a characteristic or criteria of dangerous waste, it must be managed in compliance with all applicable requirements of this chapter. The handler is considered the generator of the mercury, residues, and/or other waste and must manage it subject to WAC 173-303-170 through 173-303-230.
(C) If the mercury, residues, and/or other solid waste is not dangerous, the handler may manage the waste in any way that is in compliance with applicable federal, state or local solid waste regulations.
(c) Universal waste lamps. A small quantity handler of universal waste must manage universal waste lamps in a way that prevents releases of any universal waste or component of a universal waste to the environment, as follows:
(i) A small quantity handler of universal waste must immediately clean up and place in a container any universal waste lamps that show evidence of leakage, spillage, or damage that could cause leakage under reasonably foreseeable conditions. The container must be closed, structurally sound, compatible with the contents of the lamps, and must lack evidence of leakage, spillage, or damage that could cause leakage under reasonably foreseeable conditions;
(ii) A small quantity handler of universal waste must minimize lamp breakage by accumulating lamps in containers or packages that are structurally sound, adequate to prevent breakage, and compatible with the contents of the lamps. The containers and packages must remain closed and must lack evidence of leakage, spillage, or damage that could cause leakage under reasonably foreseeable conditions;
(iii) A small quantity handler of universal waste must store lamps accumulated in cardboard or fiber containers indoors, meaning in a structure that prevents the container from being exposed to the elements.
(10) Labeling/marking.
A small quantity handler of universal waste must label or mark the universal waste to identify the type of universal waste as specified below:
(a) Universal waste batteries (that is, each battery), or a container in which the batteries are contained, must be labeled or marked clearly with any one of the following phrases: "Universal Waste-Battery(ies)," or "Waste Battery(ies)," or "Used Battery(ies);"
(b)(i) Universal waste mercury-containing equipment (that is, each device), or a container in which the equipment is contained, must be labeled or marked clearly with any of the following phrases: "Universal Waste Mercury-Containing Equipment," "Waste Mercury-Containing Equipment," or "Used Mercury-Containing Equipment."
(ii) A universal waste mercury-containing thermostat or container containing only universal waste mercury-containing thermostats may be labeled or marked clearly with any of the following phrases "Universal Waste-Mercury Thermostat(s)," "Waste Mercury Thermostat(s)," or "Used Mercury Thermostat(s)."
(c) Universal waste lamps (that is, each lamp), or a container in which the lamps are accumulated, must be labeled or marked clearly with any one of the following phrases: "Universal Waste Lamp(s)," or "Waste Lamp(s)," or "Used Lamp(s)."
(11) Accumulation time limits.
(a) A small quantity handler of universal waste may accumulate universal waste for no longer than one year from the date the universal waste is generated, or received from another handler, unless the requirements of (b) of this subsection are met.
(b) A small quantity handler of universal waste may accumulate universal waste for longer than one year from the date the universal waste is generated, or received from another handler, if such activity is solely for the purpose of accumulation of such quantities of universal waste as necessary to facilitate proper recovery, treatment, or disposal. However, the handler bears the burden of proving that such activity is solely for the purpose of accumulation of such quantities of universal waste as necessary to facilitate proper recovery, treatment, or disposal.
(c) A small quantity handler of universal waste who accumulates universal waste must be able to demonstrate the length of time that the universal waste has been accumulated from the date it becomes a waste or is received. The handler may make this demonstration by:
(i) Placing the universal waste in a container and marking or labeling the container with the earliest date that any universal waste in the container became a waste or was received;
(ii) Marking or labeling each individual item of universal waste (for example, each battery, thermostat, mercury-containing equipment, or lamp) with the date it became a waste or was received;
(iii) Maintaining an inventory system on-site that identifies the date each universal waste became a waste or was received;
(iv) Maintaining an inventory system on-site that identifies the earliest date that any universal waste in a group of universal waste items or a group of containers of universal waste became a waste or was received;
(v) Placing the universal waste in a specific accumulation area and identifying the earliest date that any universal waste in the area became a waste or was received; or
(vi) Any other method which clearly demonstrates the length of time that the universal waste has been accumulated from the date it becomes a waste or is received.
(12) Employee training.
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.
(13) Response to releases.
(a) A small quantity handler of universal waste must immediately contain all releases of universal wastes and other residues from universal wastes.
(b) A small quantity handler of universal waste must determine whether any material resulting from the release is dangerous waste, and if so, must manage the dangerous waste in compliance with all applicable requirements of this chapter. The handler is considered the generator of the material resulting from the release, and must manage it in compliance with WAC 173-303-170 through 173-303-230.
(14) Off-site shipments.
(a) A small quantity handler of universal waste is prohibited from sending or taking universal waste to a place other than another universal waste handler, a destination facility, or a foreign destination.
(b) If a small quantity handler of universal waste self-transports universal waste off-site, the handler becomes a universal waste transporter for those self-transportation activities and must comply with the transporter requirements of subsections (28) through (34) of this section while transporting the universal waste.
(c) If a universal waste being offered for off-site transportation meets the definition of hazardous materials under 49 C.F.R. Parts 171 through 180, a small quantity handler of universal waste must package, label, mark and placard the shipment, and prepare the proper shipping papers in accordance with the applicable Department of Transportation regulations under 49 C.F.R. Parts 172 through 180.
(d) Prior to sending a shipment of universal waste to another universal waste handler, the originating handler must ensure that the receiving handler agrees to receive the shipment.
(e) If a small quantity handler of universal waste sends a shipment of universal waste to another handler or to a destination facility and the shipment is rejected by the receiving handler or destination facility, the originating handler must either:
(i) Receive the waste back when notified that the shipment has been rejected, or
(ii) Agree with the receiving handler on a destination facility to which the shipment will be sent.
(f) A small quantity handler of universal waste may reject a shipment containing universal waste, or a portion of a shipment containing universal waste that they have received from another handler. If a handler rejects a shipment or a portion of a shipment, they must contact the originating handler to notify them of the rejection and to discuss reshipment of the load. The handler must:
(i) Send the shipment back to the originating handler; or
(ii) If agreed to by both the originating and receiving handler, send the shipment to a destination facility.
(g) If a small quantity handler of universal waste receives a shipment containing dangerous waste that is not a universal waste, the handler must immediately notify the department of the illegal shipment, and provide the name, address, and phone number of the originating shipper. The department will provide instructions for managing the dangerous waste.
(h) If a small quantity handler of universal waste receives a shipment of nondangerous, nonuniversal waste, the handler may manage the waste in any way that is in compliance with applicable federal, state or local solid waste regulations.
(15) Tracking universal waste shipments.
A small quantity handler of universal waste is not required to keep records of shipments of universal waste.
(16) Exports.
A small quantity handler of universal waste who sends universal waste to a foreign destination is subject to the requirements of 40 C.F.R. Part 262, Subpart H which is incorporated by reference at WAC 173-303-230.
(17) Applicability - Large quantity handlers of universal waste.
Subsections (17) through (27) of this section apply to large quantity handlers of universal waste (as defined in WAC 173-303-040).
(18) Prohibitions.
A large quantity handler of universal waste is:
(a) Prohibited from disposing of universal waste; and
(b) Prohibited from diluting or treating universal waste, except by responding to releases as provided in subsection (24) of this section; or by managing specific wastes as provided in subsection (20) of this section.
(19) Notification.
(a)(i) Except as provided in (a)(ii) of this subsection, a large quantity handler of universal waste must have sent written notification of universal waste management to the department, and received an EPA Identification Number, before meeting or exceeding the 11,000 pound storage limit and/or before meeting or exceeding the 2,200 pound storage limit for lamps.
(ii) A large quantity handler of universal waste who has already notified the department of their dangerous waste management activities and has received an EPA Identification Number is not required to renotify under this section.
(b) This notification must include:
(i) The universal waste handler's name and mailing address;
(ii) The name and business telephone number of the person at the universal waste handler's site who should be contacted regarding universal waste management activities;
(iii) The address or physical location of the universal waste management activities;
(iv) A list of all of the types of universal waste managed by the handler (for example, batteries, mercury-containing equipment, and lamps); and
(v) A statement indicating that the handler is accumulating more than 11,000 pounds of universal waste at one time, and/or a statement indicating that the handler is accumulating more than 2,200 pounds of lamps at one time. (For example, if a handler is accumulating 6,000 pounds of batteries, 4,500 pounds of mercury-containing equipment and 600 pounds of universal waste lamps, they would notify for having 11,100 pounds of universal waste at one time - Likewise, if a handler is accumulating 6,000 pounds of batteries, 2,000 pounds of mercury-containing equipment and 2,400 pounds of universal waste lamps, they would also need to notify for exceeding the 2,200 pound limit for universal waste lamps.)
(20) Waste management.
(a) Universal waste batteries. A large quantity handler of universal waste must manage universal waste batteries in a way that prevents releases of any universal waste or component of a universal waste to the environment, as follows:
(i) A large quantity handler of universal waste must contain any universal waste battery that shows evidence of leakage, spillage, or damage that could cause leakage under reasonably foreseeable conditions in a 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.
(ii) A large quantity handler of universal waste may conduct the following activities as long as the casing of each individual battery cell is not breached and remains intact and closed (except that cells may be opened to remove electrolyte but must be immediately closed after removal):
(A) Sorting batteries by type;
(B) Mixing battery types in one container;
(C) Discharging batteries so as to remove the electric charge;
(D) Regenerating used batteries;
(E) Disassembling batteries or battery packs into individual batteries or cells;
(F) Removing batteries from consumer products; or
(G) Removing electrolyte from batteries.
(iii) A large quantity handler of universal waste who removes electrolyte from batteries, or who generates other solid waste (for example, battery pack materials, discarded consumer products) as a result of the activities listed above, must determine whether the electrolyte and/or other solid waste exhibit a characteristic or criteria of dangerous waste identified in WAC 173-303-090 or 173-303-100.
(A) If the electrolyte and/or other solid waste exhibit a characteristic or criteria of dangerous waste, it must be managed in compliance with all applicable requirements of this chapter. The handler is considered the generator of the dangerous electrolyte and/or other waste and is subject to WAC 173-303-170 through 173-303-230.
(B) If the electrolyte or other solid waste is not dangerous, the handler may manage the waste in any way that is in compliance with applicable federal, state or local solid waste regulations.
(b) Universal waste mercury-containing equipment. A large quantity handler of universal waste must manage universal waste mercury-containing equipment in a way that prevents releases of any universal waste or component of a universal waste to the environment, as follows:
(i) A large quantity handler of universal waste must place in a container any universal waste mercury-containing equipment with noncontained elemental mercury or that shows evidence of leakage, spillage, or damage that could cause leakage under reasonably foreseeable conditions. The container must be closed, structurally sound, compatible with the contents of the device, must lack evidence of leakage, spillage, or damage that could cause leakage under reasonably foreseeable conditions, and must be reasonably designed to prevent the escape of mercury into the environment by volatilization or any other means.
(ii) A large quantity handler of universal waste may remove mercury-containing ampules from universal waste mercury-containing equipment provided the handler:
(A) Removes and manages the ampules in a manner designed to prevent breakage of the ampules;
(B) Removes ampules only over or in a containment device (for example, tray or pan sufficient to collect and contain any mercury released from an ampule in case of breakage);
(C) Ensures that a mercury cleanup system is readily available to immediately transfer any mercury resulting from spills or leaks of broken ampules, from that containment device to a container that meets the requirements of WAC 173-303-200;
(D) Immediately transfers any mercury resulting from spills or leaks from broken ampules from the containment device to a container that meets the requirements of WAC 173-303-200;
(E) Ensures that the area in which ampules are removed is well ventilated and monitored to ensure compliance with applicable OSHA exposure levels for mercury;
(F) Ensures that employees removing ampules are thoroughly familiar with proper waste mercury handling and emergency procedures, including transfer of mercury from containment devices to appropriate containers;
(G) Stores removed ampules in closed, nonleaking containers that are in good condition;
(H) Packs removed ampules in the container with packing materials adequate to prevent breakage during storage, handling, and transportation;
(iii) A large quantity handler of universal waste mercury-containing equipment that does not contain an ampule may remove the open original housing holding the mercury from universal waste mercury-containing equipment provided the handler:
(A) Immediately seals the original housing holding the mercury with an airtight seal to prevent the release of any mercury to the environment; and
(B) Follows all requirements for removing ampules and managing removed ampules under (b)(ii) of this subsection; and
(iv)(A) A large quantity handler of universal waste who removes mercury-containing ampules from mercury-containing equipment or seals mercury from mercury-containing equipment in its original housing must determine whether the following exhibit a characteristic or criteria of dangerous waste identified in WAC 173-303-090 or 173-303-100:
(I) Mercury or cleanup residues resulting from spills or leaks; and/or
(II) Other solid waste generated as a result of the removal of mercury-containing ampules or housings (for example, the remaining mercury-containing device).
(B) If the mercury, residues, and/or other solid waste exhibits a characteristic or criteria of dangerous waste, it must be managed in compliance with all applicable requirements of this chapter. The handler is considered the generator of the mercury, residues, and/or other waste and must manage it in compliance with WAC 173-303-170 through 173-303-230.
(C) If the mercury, residues, and/or other solid waste is not dangerous, the handler may manage the waste in any way that is in compliance with applicable federal, state or local solid waste regulations.
(c) Universal waste lamps. A large quantity handler of universal waste must manage universal waste lamps in a way that prevents releases of any universal waste or component of a universal waste to the environment, as follows:
(i) A large quantity handler of universal waste must immediately clean up and place in a container any universal waste lamps that show evidence of leakage, spillage, or damage that could cause leakage under reasonably foreseeable conditions. The container must be closed, structurally sound, compatible with the contents of the lamps, and must lack evidence of leakage, spillage, or damage that could cause leakage under reasonably foreseeable conditions;
(ii) A large quantity handler of universal waste must minimize lamp breakage by accumulating lamps in containers or packages that are structurally sound, adequate to prevent breakage, and compatible with the contents of the lamps. The containers and packages must remain closed and must lack evidence of leakage, spillage, or damage that could cause leakage under reasonably foreseeable conditions;
(iii) A large quantity handler of universal waste must store lamps accumulated in cardboard or fiber containers indoors, meaning in a structure that prevents a container from being exposed to the elements.
(21) Labeling/marking.
A large quantity handler of universal waste must label or mark the universal waste to identify the type of universal waste as specified below:
(a) Universal waste batteries (that is, each battery), or a container or tank in which the batteries are contained, must be labeled or marked clearly with any one of the following phrases: "Universal Waste-Battery(ies)," or "Waste Battery(ies)," or "Used Battery(ies);"
(b)(i) Mercury-containing equipment (that is, each device), or a container in which the equipment is contained, must be labeled or marked clearly with any of the following phrases: "Universal Waste-Mercury-Containing Equipment," or "Waste Mercury-Containing Equipment," or "Used Mercury-Containing Equipment."
(ii) A universal waste mercury-containing thermostat or container containing only universal waste mercury-containing thermostats may be labeled or marked clearly with any of the following phrases: "Universal Waste-Mercury Thermostat(s)," "Waste Mercury Thermostat(s)," or "Used Mercury Thermostat(s)."
(c) Universal waste lamp (that is, each lamp), or a container in which the lamps are accumulated, must be labeled or marked clearly with any one of the following phrases: "Universal Waste Lamp(s)," or "Waste Lamp(s)," or "Used Lamp(s)."
(22) Accumulation time limits.
(a) A large quantity handler of universal waste may accumulate universal waste for no longer than one year from the date the universal waste is generated, or received from another handler, unless the requirements of (b) of this subsection are met.
(b) A large quantity handler of universal waste may accumulate universal waste for longer than one year from the date the universal waste is generated, or received from another handler, if such activity is solely for the purpose of accumulation of such quantities of universal waste as necessary to facilitate proper recovery, treatment, or disposal. However, the handler bears the burden of proving that such activity was solely for the purpose of accumulation of such quantities of universal waste as necessary to facilitate proper recovery, treatment, or disposal.
(c) A large quantity handler of universal waste must be able to demonstrate the length of time that the universal waste has been accumulated from the date it becomes a waste or is received. The handler may make this demonstration by:
(i) Placing the universal waste in a container and marking or labeling the container with the earliest date that any universal waste in the container became a waste or was received;
(ii) Marking or labeling the individual item of universal waste (for example, each battery, thermostat, mercury-containing equipment, or lamp) with the date it became a waste or was received;
(iii) Maintaining an inventory system on site that identifies the date the universal waste being accumulated became a waste or was received;
(iv) Maintaining an inventory system on site that identifies the earliest date that any universal waste in a group of universal waste items or a group of containers of universal waste became a waste or was received;
(v) Placing the universal waste in a specific accumulation area and identifying the earliest date that any universal waste in the area became a waste or was received; or
(vi) Any other method which clearly demonstrates the length of time that the universal waste has been accumulated from the date it becomes a waste or is received.
(23) Employee training.
A large quantity handler of universal waste must ensure that all employees are thoroughly familiar with proper waste handling and emergency procedures, relative to their responsibilities during normal facility operations and emergencies.
(24) Response to releases.
(a) A large quantity handler of universal waste must immediately contain all releases of universal wastes and other residues from universal wastes.
(b) A large quantity handler of universal waste must determine whether any material resulting from the release is dangerous waste, and if so, must manage the dangerous waste in compliance with all applicable requirements of this chapter. The handler is considered the generator of the material resulting from the release, and is subject to WAC 173-303-145 and 173-303-170 through 173-303-230.
(25) Off-site shipments.
(a) A large quantity handler of universal waste is prohibited from sending or taking universal waste to a place other than another universal waste handler, a destination facility, or a foreign destination.
(b) If a large quantity handler of universal waste self-transports universal waste off site, the handler becomes a universal waste transporter for those self-transportation activities and must comply with the transporter requirements of subsections (28) through (34) of this section while transporting the universal waste.
(c) If a universal waste being offered for off-site transportation meets the definition of hazardous materials under 49 C.F.R. 171 through 180, a large quantity handler of universal waste must package, label, mark and placard the shipment, and prepare the proper shipping papers in accordance with the applicable Department of Transportation regulations under 49 C.F.R. Parts 172 through 180;
(d) Prior to sending a shipment of universal waste to another universal waste handler, the originating handler must ensure that the receiving handler agrees to receive the shipment.
(e) If a large quantity handler of universal waste sends a shipment of universal waste to another handler or to a destination facility and the shipment is rejected by the receiving handler or destination facility, the originating handler must either:
(i) Receive the waste back when notified that the shipment has been rejected; or
(ii) Agree with the receiving handler on a destination facility to which the shipment will be sent.
(f) A large quantity handler of universal waste may reject a shipment containing universal waste, or a portion of a shipment containing universal waste that they have received from another handler. If a handler rejects a shipment or a portion of a shipment, they must contact the originating handler to notify them of the rejection and to discuss reshipment of the load. The handler must:
(i) Send the shipment back to the originating handler; or
(ii) If agreed to by both the originating and receiving handler, send the shipment to a destination facility.
(g) If a large quantity handler of universal waste receives a shipment containing dangerous waste that is not a universal waste, the handler must immediately notify the department of the illegal shipment, and provide the name, address, and phone number of the originating shipper. The department will provide instructions for managing the dangerous waste.
(h) If a large quantity handler of universal waste receives a shipment of nondangerous, nonuniversal waste, the handler may manage the waste in any way that is in compliance with applicable federal, state or local solid waste regulations.
(26) Tracking universal waste shipments.
(a) Receipt of shipments. A large quantity handler of universal waste must keep a record of each shipment of universal waste received at the facility. The record may take the form of a log, invoice, manifest, bill of lading, movement document, or other shipping document. The record for each shipment of universal waste received must include the following information:
(i) The name and address of the originating universal waste handler or foreign shipper from whom the universal waste was sent;
(ii) The quantity of each type of universal waste received (for example, batteries, thermostats, mercury-containing equipment, or lamps);
(iii) The date of receipt of the shipment of universal waste.
(b) Shipments off site. A large quantity handler of universal waste must keep a record of each shipment of universal waste sent from the handler to other facilities. The record may take the form of a log, invoice, manifest, bill of lading, movement document, or other shipping document. The record for each shipment of universal waste sent must include the following information:
(i) The name and address of the universal waste handler, destination facility, or foreign destination to whom the universal waste was sent;
(ii) The quantity of each type of universal waste sent (for example, batteries, thermostats, mercury-containing equipment, or lamps);
(iii) The date the shipment of universal waste left the facility.
(c) Record retention.
(i) A large quantity handler of universal waste must retain the records described in (a) of this subsection for at least three years from the date of receipt of a shipment of universal waste.
(ii) A large quantity handler of universal waste must retain the records described in (b) of this subsection for at least three years from the date a shipment of universal waste left the facility.
(27) Exports.
A large quantity handler of universal waste who sends universal waste to a foreign destination is subject to the requirements of 40 C.F.R. Part 262, Subpart H which is incorporated by reference at WAC 173-303-230.
(28) Applicability - Universal waste transporters. Subsections (28) through (34) of this section apply to universal waste transporters (as defined in WAC 173-303-040).
(29) Prohibitions.
A universal waste transporter is:
(a) Prohibited from disposing of universal waste; and
(b) Prohibited from diluting or treating universal waste, except by responding to releases as provided in subsection (32) of this section.
(30) Waste management.
(a) A universal waste transporter must comply with all applicable U.S. Department of Transportation regulations in 49 C.F.R. Part 171 through 180 for transport of any universal waste that meets the definition of hazardous material in 49 C.F.R. 171.8. For purposes of the Department of Transportation regulations, a material is considered a dangerous waste if it is subject to the Hazardous Waste Manifest Requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency specified in WAC 173-303-180. Because universal waste does not require a dangerous waste manifest, it is not considered hazardous waste under the Department of Transportation regulations.
(b) Some universal waste materials are regulated by the Department of Transportation as hazardous materials because they meet the criteria for one or more hazard classes specified in 49 C.F.R. 173.2. As universal waste shipments do not require a manifest under WAC 173-303-180, they may not be described by the DOT proper shipping name "hazardous waste, (l) or (s), n.o.s.," nor may the hazardous material's proper shipping name be modified by adding the word "waste."
(31) Storage time limits.
(a) A universal waste transporter may only store the universal waste at a universal waste transfer facility for ten days or less.
(b) If a universal waste transporter stores universal waste for more than ten days, the transporter becomes a universal waste handler and must comply with the applicable requirements for small or large quantity handlers (subsections (6) through (27) of this section) while storing the universal waste.
(32) Response to releases.
(a) A universal waste transporter must immediately contain all releases of universal wastes and other residues from universal wastes.
(b) A universal waste transporter must determine whether any material resulting from the release is dangerous waste, and if so, it is subject to all applicable requirements of this chapter. If the waste is determined to be a dangerous waste, the transporter is subject to WAC 173-303-145 and 173-303-170 through 173-303-230.
(33) Off-site shipments.
(a) A universal waste transporter is prohibited from transporting the universal waste to a place other than a universal waste handler, a destination facility, or a foreign destination.
(b) If the universal waste being shipped off site meets the Department of Transportation's definition of hazardous materials under 49 C.F.R. 171.8, the shipment must be properly described on a shipping paper in accordance with the applicable Department of Transportation regulations under 49 C.F.R. Part 172.
(34) Exports.
A universal waste transporter transporting a shipment of universal waste to a foreign destination is subject to the requirements of 40 C.F.R. Part 262, Subpart H which is incorporated by reference at WAC 173-303-230.
(35) Applicability - Destination facilities. Subsections (35) through (37) of this section apply to destination facilities.
(a) The owner or operator of a destination facility (as defined in WAC 173-303-040) is subject to all applicable requirements of WAC 173-303-140 and 173-303-141, 173-303-280 through 173-303-525, 173-303-600 through 173-303-695, 173-303-800 through 173-303-840, and the notification requirement at WAC 173-303-060; or
(b) The owner or operator of a destination facility that recycles a particular universal waste without storing that universal waste before it is recycled must comply with WAC 173-303-120 (4)(c).
(36) Off-site shipments.
(a) The owner or operator of a destination facility is prohibited from sending or taking universal waste to a place other than a universal waste handler, another destination facility or foreign destination.
(b) The owner or operator of a destination facility may reject a shipment containing universal waste, or a portion of a shipment containing universal waste. If the owner or operator of the destination facility rejects a shipment or a portion of a shipment, they must contact the shipper to notify them of the rejection and to discuss reshipment of the load. The owner or operator of the destination facility must:
(i) Send the shipment back to the original shipper; or
(ii) If agreed to by both the shipper and the owner or operator of the destination facility, send the shipment to another destination facility.
(c) If the owner or operator of a destination facility receives a shipment containing dangerous waste that is not a universal waste, the owner or operator of the destination facility must immediately notify the department of the illegal shipment, and provide the name, address, and phone number of the shipper. The department will provide instructions for managing the dangerous waste.
(d) If the owner or operator of a destination facility receives a shipment of nondangerous, nonuniversal waste, the owner or operator may manage the waste in any way that is in compliance with applicable federal or state solid waste regulations.
(37) Tracking universal waste shipments.
(a) The owner or operator of a destination facility must keep a record of each shipment of universal waste received at the facility. The record may take the form of a log, invoice, manifest, bill of lading, movement document, or other shipping document. The record for each shipment of universal waste received must include the following information:
(i) The name and address of the universal waste handler, destination facility, or foreign shipper from whom the universal waste was sent;
(ii) The quantity of each type of universal waste received (for example, batteries, thermostats, mercury-containing equipment, or lamps);
(iii) The date of receipt of the shipment of universal waste.
(b) The owner or operator of a destination facility must retain the records described in (a) of this subsection for at least three years from the date of receipt of a shipment of universal waste.
(38) Imports.
Persons managing universal waste that is imported from a foreign country into the United States are subject to the applicable requirements of 40 C.F.R. Part 262, Subpart H (as incorporated by reference at WAC 173-303-230) and of this section, immediately after the waste enters the United States, as indicated in (a) through (c) of this subsection:
(a) A universal waste transporter is subject to the universal waste transporter requirements of subsections (28) through (34) of this section.
(b) A universal waste handler is subject to the small or large quantity handler of universal waste requirements of subsections (6) through (27) of this section, as applicable.
(c) An owner or operator of a destination facility is subject to the destination facility requirements of subsections (35) through (37) of this section.
(39) General - Petitions. Subsections (39) and (40) of this section address petitions to include other wastes under this section.
(a) Except as provided in (d) of this subsection, any person seeking to add a dangerous waste or a category of dangerous waste to this section may petition for a regulatory amendment under subsections (39) and (40) of this section and WAC 173-303-910 (1) and (7).
(b) To be successful, the petitioner must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the department that regulation under the universal waste regulations of this section is: Appropriate for the waste or category of waste; will improve management practices for the waste or category of waste; and will improve implementation of the dangerous waste program. The petition must include the information required by WAC 173-303-910 (1)(b). The petition should also address as many of the factors listed in subsection (40) of this section as are appropriate for the waste or waste category addressed in the petition.
(c) The department will evaluate petitions using the factors listed in subsection (40) of this section. The department will grant or deny a petition using the factors listed in subsection (40) of this section. The decision will be based on the weight of evidence showing that regulation under this section is appropriate for the waste or category of waste, will improve management practices for the waste or category of waste, and will improve implementation of the dangerous waste program.
(d) Dangerous waste pharmaceuticals are regulated under WAC 173-303-555 and may not be added as a category of dangerous waste for the management under this section.
(40) Factors for petitions to include other wastes under this section.
(a) The waste or category of waste, as generated by a wide variety of generators, is listed in WAC 173-303-081 or 173-303-082, or (if not listed) a proportion of the waste stream exhibits one or more characteristics or criteria of dangerous waste identified in WAC 173-303-090 or 173-303-100. (When a characteristic waste is added to the universal waste regulations of this section by using a generic name to identify the waste category (for example, batteries), the definition of universal waste in WAC 173-303-040 will be amended to include only the dangerous waste portion of the waste category (for example, dangerous waste batteries).) Thus, only the portion of the waste stream that does exhibit one or more characteristics or criteria (that is, is dangerous waste) is subject to the universal waste regulations of this section;
(b) The waste or category of waste is not exclusive to a specific industry or group of industries, is commonly generated by a wide variety of types of establishments (including, for example, households, retail and commercial businesses, office complexes, conditionally exempt small quantity generators, small businesses, government organizations, as well as large industrial facilities);
(c) The waste or category of waste is generated by a large number of generators (for example, more than 1,000 nationally) and is frequently generated in relatively small quantities by each generator;
(d) Systems to be used for collecting the waste or category of waste (including packaging, marking, and labeling practices) would ensure close stewardship of the waste;
(e) The risk posed by the waste or category of waste during accumulation and transport is relatively low compared to other dangerous wastes, and specific management standards proposed or referenced by the petitioner (for example, waste management requirements appropriate to be added to subsections (9), (20), and (30) of this section; and/or applicable Department of Transportation requirements) would be protective of human health and the environment during accumulation and transport;
(f) Regulation of the waste or category of waste under this section will increase the likelihood that the waste will be diverted from nondangerous waste management systems (for example, the municipal waste stream, nondangerous industrial or commercial waste stream, municipal sewer or stormwater systems) to recycling, treatment, or disposal in compliance with the Hazardous Waste Management Act chapter 70.105 RCW, this chapter, and RCRA Subtitle C.
(g) Regulation of the waste or category of waste under this section will improve implementation of and compliance with the dangerous waste regulatory program; and/or
(h) Such other factors as may be appropriate.
(41) Applicability - Household and conditionally exempt small quantity generator waste.
(a) Persons managing the wastes listed below may, at their option, manage them under the requirements of this section:
(i) Household wastes that are exempt under WAC 173-303-071 (3)(c) and are also of the same type as the universal wastes defined at WAC 173-303-040; and/or
(ii) Small quantity generator wastes that are conditionally exempt under WAC 173-303-171 and are also of the same type as the universal wastes defined at WAC 173-303-040.
(b) Persons who commingle the wastes described in (a)(i) and (ii) of this subsection together with universal waste regulated under this section must manage the commingled waste under the requirements of this section.
[Statutory Authority: Chapter 70.105, 70.105D RCW and Subtitle C of RCRA. WSR 20-20-045 (Order 19-07), § 173-303-573, filed 9/30/20, effective 10/31/20. Statutory Authority: Chapters 70.105, 70.105D RCW and RCRA. WSR 19-04-038 (Order 16-03), § 173-303-573, filed 1/28/19, effective 4/28/19. Statutory Authority: Chapter 70.105 RCW. WSR 15-01-123 (Order 13-07), § 173-303-573, filed 12/18/14, effective 1/18/15. Statutory Authority: Chapters 70.105 and 70.105D RCW. WSR 09-14-105 (Order 07-12), § 173-303-573, filed 6/30/09, effective 7/31/09. Statutory Authority: Chapters 70.105, 70.105D, and 15.54 RCW and RCW 70.105.007. WSR 04-24-065 (Order 03-10), § 173-303-573, filed 11/30/04, effective 1/1/05; WSR 00-11-040 (Order 99-01), § 173-303-573, filed 5/10/00, effective 6/10/00. Statutory Authority: Chapters 70.105 and 70.105D RCW. WSR 98-03-018 (Order 97-03), § 173-303-573, filed 1/12/98, effective 2/12/98.]