Universal Waste Management for Facility Staff

Última actualización: octubre 5, 2026

5 modules
15 pages
about 20 minutes

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Universal Waste Management for Facility Staff

Lección 1

Curso interactivo

For facility staff who handle spent lamps, batteries, aerosol cans, mercury equipment and waste pesticides: recognize universal waste, contain it, label it, date it, and respond to breaks and leaks.

What this certificate covers

This certificate records completion of awareness training based on EPA 40 CFR 273.1 through 273.6, 273.9, 273.11 through 273.17, 273.18(a), 273.32(a) and 273.36. It is not an OSHA card or license or an EPA or state certification, and it does not by itself meet the training requirements of 40 CFR 273.16 (small quantity handlers) or 40 CFR 273.36 (large quantity handlers). A small quantity handler must still inform all employees who handle or have responsibility for managing universal waste, with information that describes proper handling and emergency procedures appropriate to the type(s) of universal waste handled at the facility. A large quantity handler must still ensure that all employees are thoroughly familiar with proper waste handling and emergency procedures, relative to their responsibilities during normal facility operations and emergencies. Where the site punctures and drains aerosol cans, employees operating the device must also be trained in the proper procedures (40 CFR 273.13(e)(4)(ii)).

What you will learn

Recognize the five types of universal waste and when an item becomes a waste
Contain universal waste so nothing is released, and know what you may not do to it
Label each item or container with an accepted phrase
Date the waste so its accumulation time can be shown
Respond to a broken lamp or leaking battery or can

What you get

About 20 minutes, on your phone or computer, read out loud as you go
Real photos, not cartoons
A hands-on drill: you make the calls, step by step, and see what happens
4 quick checks along the way, then a final quiz
A certificate with a QR code your employer can check online
A wallet card you can print and carry
A printable study guide (PDF)

Training a crew? Add your workers, see who finished, and keep every certificate in one place. Train your team →

Course outline

What is universal waste?: Five types, and when they become waste; Small and large quantity handlers
Contain it, do not dispose of it: No disposal, no dilution, no treatment; Containers for each type
Label and date it: One year, and you must be able to show it
Breaks, leaks and training: When a lamp breaks or a battery leaks
On the job

Questions

What does Universal Waste Management for Facility Staff cover?

You will be able to: recognize the five types of universal waste and when an item becomes a waste; contain universal waste so nothing is released, and know what you may not do to it; label each item or container with an accepted phrase; date the waste so its accumulation time can be shown; respond to a broken lamp or leaking battery or can.

Who is this course for?

It is written for workers, facility staff and environmental staff.

How long does it take?

About 20 minutes, on a phone or a computer. You can stop and pick up where you left off.

Do I get a certificate?

Yes. Score 80% or better on the final quiz and you get a certificate with a code your employer can check.

Which OSHA rule is it based on?

Based on EPA 40 CFR Part 273, Subparts A and B, with 273.32 and 273.36 (Standards for universal waste management). It is awareness training: it is not an OSHA card, and your employer still has to train you on their own equipment and plan.

Course facts

Who it is for: Workers, facility staff and environmental staff
Trainer: Marc Harvey, Site Safety Officer (OSHA 30, CPR, USACE CQM)
Time: about 20 minutes, on your phone or computer
Final quiz pass mark: 80%, with a certificate employers can verify
Based on EPA 40 CFR Part 273, Subparts A and B, with 273.32 and 273.36 (Standards for universal waste management) (official text)
Printable study guide (PDF) with the key points and practice questions, included with the course
Answer key with OSHA citations for trainers (trainer plans)
Facts checked word for word against the official text (1 sources)
40 CFR 273