EPA Universal Waste Terminology

Universal Waste
"Universal wastes" are wastes that meet the definition of Hazardous Waste, but which during accumulation and transport pose a relatively low risk compared to other hazardous wastes. Wastes that DEQ has determined meet universal waste criteria include used antifreeze, mercury-containing lamps and devices, certain types of batteries, cathode ray tubes, electonics, cellphones and computers, etc.

Hazardous Waste

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

Generator

Any person, by site, whose act or process produces hazardous waste, identified or listed in 40 CFR 261, or whose act first causes a hazardous waste to become subject to regulation. The generator definition can be found at 40 CFR 260.10. A lamp generator can be considered a Small Quantity Handler of Universal Waste (SQHUW) or a Large Quantity Handler of Universal Waste (LQHUW) depending on how many spent lamps are produced in a year and whether they are accumulated. Standards applicable to RCRA generators are found at 40 CFR 262. Universal waste handler requirements are found at 40 CFR 273 Subparts B and C.

Large Quantity Generators (LQGs)

Persons or facilities that generate 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) or more of hazardous waste per calendar month, or more than 1 kg (2.2 lb) of acutely hazardous waste per calendar month. Such generators produce about 90 percent of the nation's hazardous waste, and are subject to all RCRA requirements. LQG requirements are found in 40 CFR 262.

Small Quantity Generator (SQG)

A generator who generates greater than 100 kg and less than 1000 kg (2,200 lb) of hazardous waste in a calendar month. The SQG definition is found at 40 CFR 260.10 and requirements are found at 40 CFR 262. The regulatory requirements for SQGs are less stringent than the requirements for facilities considered Large Quantity Generators.