Universal Waste Program Compliance Checklist
This comprehensive universal waste program compliance checklist ensures regulatory compliance with EPA, 40 CFR Part 273, State Hazardous Waste Agency. Monthly compliance inspection for universal waste programs covering batteries, lamps, pesticides, and mercury-containing equipment per EPA 40 CFR Part 273 and state universal waste programs. Universal waste regulations simplify management of common hazardous wastes while ensuring proper recycling and disposal. Complete all sections to maintain com
- Industry: Waste Management & Recycling
- Frequency: Daily / Weekly
- Estimated Time: 25 minutes
- Role: Operations Manager / Environmental Compliance Officer
- Total Items: 17
- Compliance: EPA, 40 CFR Part 273, State Hazardous Waste Agency
Battery Universal Waste Management
Verify battery management per 40 CFR 273 Subpart A.
- Are all batteries accumulated in closed, structurally sound containers that manage electrolyte leaks?
- Are battery containers labeled 'Universal Waste - Batteries' or 'Waste Batteries' per 40 CFR 273.14?
- Are batteries shipped to handler or recycler within 1 year of accumulation start date?
- Are lithium batteries stored separately from other battery chemistries to prevent fire due to incompatibility?
- Are batteries NOT being disposed in regular solid waste (trash) which constitutes RCRA violation?
Lamp (Light Bulb) Universal Waste
Verify lamp management per 40 CFR 273 Subpart B.
- Are fluorescent and HID lamps managed to minimize breakage in closed containers or original boxes?
- Is broken lamp cleanup protocol in place addressing mercury-containing lamp breakage?
- Are lamp storage containers labeled 'Universal Waste - Lamp(s)' or 'Waste Lamp(s)' per 40 CFR 273.35?
- Are lamps shipped to universal waste lamp recycler rather than disposed in regular trash?
Mercury-Containing Equipment
Verify mercury device management per 40 CFR 273 Subpart D.
- Have mercury-containing devices (thermostats, switches, manometers) been identified during facility operations or renovation?
- Are mercury devices stored intact to prevent mercury release in closed containers?
- Are containers labeled 'Universal Waste - Mercury-Containing Equipment' per 40 CFR 273.55?
- For thermostats, is participation in Thermostat Recycling Corporation (TRC) program documented?
Training and Record-Keeping
Verify training per 40 CFR 273.16.
- Have employees handling universal waste received training on handling, emergency response, and disposal prohibition?
- Are shipment records (date, destination, quantity) retained for universal waste sent off-site?
- If generating more than 5,000 kg of universal waste at any one time, has large quantity handler status been evaluated?
- Are any state-specific universal waste categories (paint, aerosols) managed per applicable state program?
Related Waste Management Recycling Checklists
- Industrial Wastewater Pretreatment Compliance Checklist
- Waste-to-Energy (WTE) Facility Safety and Environmental Compliance Checklist
- Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan Compliance Checklist
- Industrial Stormwater Permit (SWPPP) Compliance Inspection Checklist
Why Use This Universal Waste Program Compliance Checklist?
This universal waste program compliance checklist helps waste management & recycling teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for operations manager / environmental compliance officer professionals, this checklist covers 17 critical inspection points across 4 sections. Recommended frequency: daily / weekly.
Ensures compliance with EPA, 40 CFR Part 273, State Hazardous Waste Agency. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Universal Waste Program Compliance Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 17 inspection items across 4 sections: Battery Universal Waste Management, Lamp (Light Bulb) Universal Waste, Mercury-Containing Equipment, Training and Record-Keeping. It is designed for waste management & recycling operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed daily / weekly. Each completion takes approximately 25 minutes.
Who should use this Universal Waste Program Compliance Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Operations Manager / Environmental Compliance Officer professionals in the waste management & recycling industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.