Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) Practice Exam

Which of the following items is not classified as a universal waste?

1. Used Oil/Solvent mixtures

2. Alkaline batteries

3. Mercury thermostats and fluorescent light bulbs

4. Pesticides

The correct answer is: Used Oil/Solvent mixtures

Universal waste refers to specific categories of hazardous waste that are widely generated and are subject to less stringent regulations to encourage recycling and proper disposal. The aim is to streamline the management of these materials to protect the environment and human health while promoting responsible practices. Used oil/solvent mixtures are not classified as universal waste because they fall under different regulatory frameworks that govern hazardous waste management. These mixtures can contain high levels of toxicity depending on the components and thus are treated with more stringent waste disposal regulations to ensure safe handling, treatment, and disposal. In contrast, alkaline batteries, mercury thermostats, and fluorescent light bulbs, as well as pesticides, are categorized as universal waste due to their potential environmental hazards. For example, alkaline batteries contain heavy metals that can be harmful if they leach into the environment, while fluorescent light bulbs contain small amounts of mercury, necessitating special disposal methods. By putting these items under the universal waste category, regulations encourage their proper recycling and disposal without imposing overly burdensome requirements. For this reason, the choice of used oil/solvent mixtures as the item not classified as a universal waste is based on the regulatory framework that governs its handling, emphasizing the need for stricter controls compared to other universal waste categories.