Page 579 - Materials Chemistry, Second Edition

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550 Waste Management Practices: Municipal, Hazardous, and Industrial
where they are combusted for heat value. The clean Ni–Cd battery cells are placed in a cadmium
recovery furnace. Cadmium is reduced using carbon, vaporized and condensed, thereby producing
o
elemental cadmium, Cd . This cadmium is eventually used in the production of new Ni–Cd batter-
ies. The remaining nickel and iron become feedstocks for a metal recovery plant. The material is
used to produce nickel, chromium, and iron remelt alloy that is used in stainless steel production
(Sova and Mueller, n.d.).

18.4.4 UNIVERSAL WASTE PESTICIDES
A large-quantity handler must contain universal waste pesticides in either:

● Its original container
● Its container overpacked in another container
● In a tank that meets the requirements of 40 CFR Part 265
● In a vehicle or vessel

All of the above must be closed, structurally sound, and compatible with the pesticide. A con-
tainer, tank, transport vehicle, or vessel that holds universal waste pesticides must include the prod-
uct label, and the words “Universal Waste — Pesticides” or “Waste — Pesticides”.
Many states have enacted programs to promote the drop-off and recycling of agricultural and other
pesticides (Figure 18.3); and many have been highly successful in preventing improper disposal.

18.4.5 UNIVERSAL WASTE THERMOSTATS
Mercury is a public health and environmental concern because it is a potent neurotoxin with the
potential to accumulate in the food chain.
The Thermostat Recycling Corporation (TRC) recycles used mercury-switch thermostats in the
48 continental U.S. states. TRC is a private corporation established by thermostat manufacturers
Honeywell, General Electric, and White-Rodgers. Between 1998 and 2000, TRC collected 75,000
thermostats containing 300 kg (656 lb) of mercury. Under this voluntary, industry-sponsored effort,
heating and cooling contractors drop off old mercury-switch thermostats at participating whole-
salers who collect them in protective bins supplied by TRC. Full bins are sent to TRC’s recycling
center where the switches are removed and forwarded to a mercury recycler.
TRC devotes much of its attention to heating and air-conditioning contractors and wholesalers
as these entities sell and install the majority of thermostats and because the industry already has the
infrastructure to support an effective recycling program. Many states encourage cooperation with
the TRC program, urging contractors to sign a pledge of cooperation (Figure 18.4). Some local gov-
ernments have established separate programs to manage recycling or disposal of used thermostats
directly from homeowners.
A large-quantity handler managing universal waste thermostats is required to contain any ther-
mostat that is leaking or damaged. The container must be closed and compatible with the contents of
the thermostat. A large-quantity handler may remove mercury-containing ampules from thermostats
provided they are handled to prevent breakage and opened over a containment device. Also, the han-
dler must ensure that a mercury cleanup system is available and the work area is well ventilated to
ensure compliance with OSHA exposure levels for mercury. The facility must train employees
removing ampules with proper waste mercury handling and emergency procedures. A large-quantity
handler who removes mercury-containing ampules from thermostats must determine whether any
residues are characteristic hazardous wastes described in 40 CFR Part 261. If the mercury or residues
are not hazardous, the waste may be managed according to solid waste regulations. Universal waste
thermostats must be labeled with “Universal Waste — Mercury Thermostats,” “Waste Mercury
Thermostats,” or “Used Mercury Thermostats.”