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uct itself is ignitable, corrosive, or toxic, then the What Are "Universal Wastes"? <br /> non-empty aerosol can is a hazardous waste. Aero- <br /> sols containing paint, pesticides and degreasers are <br /> several examples of materials that are likely to be haz- "Universal waste" is a designation which includes <br /> ardous when discarded. certain hazardous wastes which are commonly <br /> generated. Because they pose a relatively lower risk <br /> In the past,Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were the to people and the environment than other <br /> hazardous wastes,universal wastes are regulated <br /> most common type of propellants in use due to based on a relaxed set of standards which is more <br /> their low toxicity and relative inertness. However, appropriate for the specific hazards they pose. For <br /> CFCs were banned as aerosol propellants in the more information or a listing of universal wastes, <br /> United States in 1978 after they were found to <br /> see the Department of Toxic Substances Control <br /> h' protective ozone layer. In <br /> damage the Eazt s p o Y (DTSC) fact sheet entitled"Managing Universal <br /> 1994,Congress banned a related class of Waste in California" (available at httu:// <br /> compounds,Hydrochlorofluorocarbons(HCFCs) www.dtsc.ca.gov/PublicationsForms/ <br /> from use as aerosol can propellants. <br /> HWM FS UWR.odf),and California Code of <br /> Regulations(Cal Code Regs.),title 22,chapter 23. <br /> I <br /> Today most aerosol cans use a hydrocarbon <br /> propellant. While hydrocarbons are less harmful to SB 1158 now allows qualified handlers to process <br /> stratospheric ozone than CFCs or HCFCs,they are hazardous waste aerosol cans as"universal waste <br /> very flammable. An aerosol product containing a <br /> aerosol cans <br /> hydrocarbon propellant can become a fire hazard if draining,andd Processing includes puncturing, <br /> sprayed near fire. crushing the cans. See Health and <br /> Safety Code (Health&Saf. Code),section <br /> 25201.16. <br /> What Has SB 1158 Changed? <br /> The Four Hazardous Waste <br /> Characteristics <br /> Before SB 1158,generators of hazardous waste <br /> aerosol cans were subject to all the requirements <br /> A non-empty aerosol can may be consid- generally applicable to California hazardous waste <br /> ered hazardous if its contents have any of generators. These requirements included: <br /> the following characteristics (Cal. Code obtaining an EPA identification number; <br /> Regs., dt.22, div. 4.5, ch.11): complying with accumulation time limits; <br /> Ignitability (can readily catch fire) planning for contingencies;training employees; <br /> transporting only by registered hazardous waste <br /> Conrosivity (acidic or alkaline) hauler;and using the Uniform Hazardous Waste <br /> Reactivity (can explode) Manifest. <br /> Toxicity (poisonous) Onsite processing of non-empty aerosol cans,by <br /> methods such as puncturing,draining,and <br /> crushing the cans,was considered hazardous waste <br /> treatment that required authorization from DTSC <br /> under the Conditionally Exempt-Limited Tier for <br />