Definitions
Universal Waste
Any of the following hazardous wastes that are managed under the universal waste requirements of 40 CFR part 273:
- Batteries as described in 40 CFR 273.2
- Pesticides as described in 40 CFR 273.3
- Thermostats as described in 40 CFR 273.4
- Lamps as described in 40 CFR 273.5
- Note: Mercury-containing equipment is proposed as a new federal universal waste. (67 FR 40508)
Hazardous Waste
A hazardous waste is a waste with properties that make it dangerous, or capable of having a harmful effect on human health and the environment. Under the RCRA program, hazardous wastes are specifically defined as wastes that meet a particular listing of description or that exhibit a characteristic of hazardous waste.
Hazardous wastes are defined in 40 CFR 261.3