Special waste

Scope

Various types of wastes may be managed according to special provisions in the regulations. Many special wastes are regulated at the state level. These wastes include shop towels and rags, CRTs and electronic wastes, industrial liquid wastes, radioactive mixed waste, and medical wastes.

Regulatory citations

• 40 CFR 261 — Identification and listing of hazardous waste
• 40 CFR 261.4 — Purpose, scope and applicability

Key definitions

• Biomedical waste: A subset of wastes generated at health care facilities, such as hospitals, physicians’ offices, dental practices, blood banks, and veterinary hospitals/clinics, as well as medical research facilities and laboratories. Generally, medical waste is healthcare waste that may be contaminated by blood, body fluids or other potentially infectious materials and is often referred to as regulated medical waste.
• Cathode Ray Tube (CRT): The glass video display component of an electronic device (usually a television or computer monitor).
• E-waste or electronic waste: Electronic products nearing or at the end of their useful lives. Examples include computers, televisions, smart phones, VCRs, copiers, and fax machines.
• Shop rags: Industrial wipes used to clean up parts, equipment, or small spills.
• Solvent contaminated industrial wipes: Wipes that are contaminated with certain solvents and managed according to the exclusions in 40 CFR 261.4.

Summary of requirements

• Store used wipes in closed, non-leaking containers.
• Label the containers.
• Remove any free liquids.
• Free liquid solvent removed from the wipes must then be managed as a hazardous waste, as appropriate, and may be recycled.
• Send wipes off-site within 180 days.
• Comply with recordkeeping requirements.
• Donate, reuse, or recycle electronic waste and comply with state regulations.