However, EPA does encourage these businesses to participate voluntarily with collection centers for proper treatment and disposal of waste. Although many of the newer solid-waste landfills are designed to handle small amounts of hazardous waste, it's often better managed through collection or recycling programs. EPA promoted the new rule as an amendment to RCRA regulations, which, like most federal environmental legislation, encourages states to develop and run their own hazardous-waste programs. When EPA issues a rule, states that come under the auspices of RCRA must actively adopt it in order for the new rule to become effective. But since the Universal Waste Rule is less stringent than current RCRA requirements, state adoption is optional.
States can adopt the entire rule or portions of it.
Those that adopt it can add items to their universal waste programs whether or not EPA adds them at the federal level. In states and territories that are not RCRA-authorized, including Alaska, Hawaii, Iowa, and Puerto Rico, the Universal Waste Rule goes into effect immediately. A good example is the recycling of fluorescent lights. ATA Environmental Specialist Steve Hensley , manages the Green Truck Environmental Compliance Assistance Web site .