The Universal Waste Rule is a federal rule that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adopted in May 1995 for three types of waste.  Universal wastes have certain things in common.  They are generated by many types of generators and are considered to be less hazardous than other wastes.  The federal rule sets forth some reduced waste management requirements for batteries, thermostats, and pesticides.  For example, they do not have to be manifested or counted.  Ecology adopted two categories of universal waste, batteries and mercury-containing thermostats in a new section of Ecology's Dangerous Waste Regulations, WAC 173-303-573.  Washington did not adopt the third category of universal waste that is available through the EPA rule, waste pesticides.  Waste pesticides remain subject to the designation and full management requirements of the Dangerous Waste Regulations.

   Ecology also adopted a petition process.  Through this process other wastes can be added to the Universal Waste Rule if they meet certain criteria.  If a petition to add other wastes is approved by Ecology, they will be added as universal wastes in future rulemakings.  Ecology's rule went into effect on February 11, 1998.

   The three most significant areas of relief for universal wastes are:

• The waste does not need to be counted toward waste generation totals to determine generator status.
• The waste does not need to be manifested when sent off-site.
• Both the accumulation limit and length of time the waste may be accumulated have been increased.

   It is important to note that universal wastes must go to a treatment, storage, disposal, (TSD) or recycling facility.