§ Ohio EPA Adopts Ohio-specific Universal Waste rules:
On December 8, 2017, Ohio EPA adopted Ohio-specific universal waste rules allowing hazardous non-empty aerosol containers, hazardous antifreeze, hazardous paint and hazardous paint-related wastes to be classified and managed as a universal waste in Ohio. The rules will be effective on December 21, 2017.

The rules will eventually be moved to their appropriate Ohio Administrative Code chapter after December 21, 2017.

The purpose of designating a hazardous waste as a universal waste is to promote the proper handling, recycling or disposal of the hazardous waste by streamlining the regulations that apply to the waste. The new Ohio-specific universal wastes will be subject to provisions that are tailored to address the risks the wastes may pose. The requirements include: labeling, tank and container standards, limited treatment provisions, accumulation time limits, employee training requirements, emergency response requirements and transportation according to U.S. Department of Transportation rules.

Also, universal wastes do not count towards a generator’s monthly hazardous waste accumulation rate and they are not required to manifested as a hazardous waste in Ohio or reported on the generator’s hazardous waste biennial report.