Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Disposal of "Universal Waste" from plating shops

I would like to hear your comments about what metal finishers (LQG's) really have to do about Universal Wastes. In particular, I am interested in what is required to dispose of fluorescent light bulbs. I have separated these wastes and plan to have them disposed of properly. I am told the rules are that the waste is labeled "Universal Waste" and that the max. accumulation is 1 year. Is this waste really required to be disposed of as hazardous? IS there some way of exempting the waste? I have also heard about low mercury bulbs that are supposed to be not need to be unregulated. I wonder if anyone has switched to these and if they feel that it is worth the extra $.

Jon Barrows, MSF, EHSSC
GOAD Company

Independence, Missouri

2003

Oklahoma DEQ has a factsheet on universal waste fluorescent lamps. Go to http://www.deq.state.ok.us/factsheets/ , then click on "Land protection", then click on "Management of used fluorescent lamps". Hope this helps.

Steve Bizub
- St Louis, Missouri
2003

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I should have thought of that. Thanks.

Jon Barrows, MSF, EHSSC
GOAD Company

Independence, Missouri

2003