Under the federal Resource and Recovery Act (RCRA) which Idaho has adopted by reference into state rules and regulations, every business in Idaho is required to track the volume of wastes generated, determine whether or not each is hazardous, and ensure that all wastes are properly disposed of according to federal, state and local requirements.

Universal wastes are regulated under the federal Universal Waste Rule (UWR) codified in 1995 in Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 273, "Standards for Universal Waste Management, which Idaho also has incorporated by reference into state hazardous waste management rules (pdf on Department of Administration Web site). The rule is designed to encourage recycling and proper disposal of some common hazardous wastes and to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses that generate these wastes.

Universal wastes are certain commonly generated hazardous wastes. Specifically, a hazardous waste exhibiting any of the following characteristics can be classified as a universal waste:

• The waste is frequently generated in a wide variety of settings (other than industrial settings usually associated with hazardous wastes).
• The waste is generated in a vast community and in sufficient quantities to cause difficulties in managing the waste properly for both the regulated community and the regulators.
• The waste is present in significant volumes in the municipal solid waste stream (non-hazardous waste management systems).

Currently, four types of hazardous wastes are considered universal wastes.

• Batteries such as nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) and small sealed lead-acid batteries, which are found in many common items, including electronic equipment, cell phones, portable computers, and emergency backup lighting.

• Agricultural pesticides that have been recalled or banned from use, are obsolete, have become damaged, or are no longer needed due to changes in use.

• Thermostats, which can contain as much as three grams of liquid mercury and are located in almost any building, including commercial, industrial, agricultural, community, and household buildings.

• Spent lamps, which can include mercury or lead. Examples include fluorescent, high-intensity discharge (HID), neon, mercury vapor, high-pressure sodium and metal halide lamps.

• Mercury-containing items used in industry, hospitals, and households. Examples include mercury containing thermostats, barometers, manometers, temperature and pressure gauges, and mercury switches, such as light switches in automobiles (effective April 5, 2006, in Idaho).

The Universal Waste Rule can save businesses time and money by reducing compliance costs and the amount of time spent on paperwork. Universal waste management requirements are less stringent than those for other hazardous wastes. Here are some of the benefits:

• Longer storage times: Universal waste can be accumulated for up to one year before sending it for disposal.

• Larger accumulation rates: Universal waste does not have to be included in calculating hazardous waste generator status and monthly accumulation totals.

• Exemption from certain hauling requirements: Manifests are not required to ship universal wastes and the use of a registered waste hauler is not required to transport universal wastes in Idaho.