# COMAR Title 26 — Department of the Environment

## Subtitle 13 — Disposal of Controlled Hazardous Substances

### Chapter 10 — Standards for the Management of Specific Hazardous Wastes and Specific Types of Hazardous Waste Management Facilities

#### Regulation .16-1 Small Quantity Handlers of Universal Waste Aerosol Cans — Specific Management Standards.

*COMAR 26.13.10.16-1*

A. A small quantity handler of universal waste shall manage universal waste aerosol cans in a way that prevents any releases of universal waste or a component of universal waste to the environment.

B. A small quantity handler of universal waste shall:

  (1) Accumulate universal waste aerosol cans in a container that is:

    (a) Structurally sound;

    (b) Compatible with the contents of the aerosol cans;

    (c) Lacking evidence of:

      (i) Leakage;

      (ii) Spillage; or

      (iii) Damage that could cause leakage under reasonably foreseeable conditions; and

    (d) Protected from sources of heat;

  (2) Manage a universal waste aerosol can that show evidence of leakage by:

    (a) Packaging the aerosol can in a separate closed container;

    (b) Overpacking the aerosol can in a container with absorbents; or

    (c) Immediately puncturing and draining the aerosol can in accordance with the requirements of §D of this regulation.

C. A small quantity handler of universal waste may conduct the following activities if each individual aerosol can is not breached and remains intact:

  (1) Sorting aerosol cans by type;

  (2) Commingling intact aerosol cans in one container; and

  (3) Removing actuators to reduce the risk that an accidental release will occur.

D. A small quantity handler of universal waste aerosol cans who punctures and drains a universal waste aerosol can shall:

  (1) Recycle the empty punctured aerosol can;

  (2) Conduct puncturing and draining activities using a device specifically designed to:

    (a) Safely puncture aerosol cans; and

    (b) Effectively contain the residual contents from the punctured can and any related emissions;

  (3) Establish and follow a written procedure that specifies how to safely puncture and drain the universal waste aerosol can, including details about the following topics:

    (a) Proper assembly, operation, and maintenance of the device used for the activity;

    (b) Segregation of incompatible wastes generated; and

    (c) Proper waste management practices to prevent fires and releases;

  (4) Maintain, on site, a copy of the manufacturer’s operating instructions and specifications for the device that is being used for puncturing and draining;

  (5) Ensure that persons performing puncturing and draining activities are trained in the proper procedures for conducting the activities.

  (6) Ensure that puncturing of the can is done in a manner that:

    (a) Is designed to prevent fires and prevent the release of any component of universal waste to the environment; and

    (b) In addition to other appropriate measures to satisfy the requirements of §D(6(a) of this regulation, includes locating the puncturing equipment on a solid, flat surface in a well-ventilated area;

  (7) Immediately transfer the contents from the waste aerosol can or puncturing device, if applicable, to a container or tank that meets the applicable requirements in:

    (a) COMAR 26.13.02.05;

    (b) COMAR 26.13.03.03-3; or

    (c) COMAR 26.13.03.03-4 —.03-11, .05E, .05-1, and .05-2;

  (8) Conduct a hazardous waste determination in accordance with the requirements of COMAR 26.13.03.02—.02-2 on:

    (a) The contents emptied from the aerosol can;

    (b) The punctured, drained aerosol can if the aerosol can does not meet the criteria of COMAR 26.13.02.07B to be considered “empty”; and

    (c) Any other solid waste generated in connection with the puncturing and draining of the aerosol can;

  (9) Manage any hazardous waste generated as a result of puncturing and draining the aerosol can in accordance with all applicable requirements of COMAR 26.13.01—.10, with the universal waste handler being considered the generator of the hazardous waste and subject to the requirements of COMAR 26.13.03;

  (10) Manage nonhazardous waste generated as a result of puncturing and draining the aerosol can in accordance with applicable State, federal, and local solid waste regulations; and

  (11) Satisfy the following requirements concerning emergency preparedness and response:

    (a) Have in place a written procedure on how to respond in the event of a spill or leak to minimize risks to human health and the environment;

    (b) Have a spill cleanup kit readily available; and

    (c) Promptly clean up any spill or leak of the contents of an aerosol can.