220-1102 Question 534
Single answerRegulatory and environmental requirementsA technician is replacing several failed toner cartridges and a leaking UPS battery for a small medical office. The office manager asks the technician to throw everything into the regular dumpster behind the building because the waste vendor will not arrive until next week. Which action should the technician take FIRST to remain compliant with regulatory and environmental requirements?
- A
Place both the toner cartridges and the UPS battery in the normal trash because they are no longer usable
- B
Store the toner cartridges and the UPS battery in a designated recycling or hazardous-waste area and follow the organization's disposal procedure
- C
Drain any remaining material from the UPS battery, bag the parts separately, and discard them in the dumpster
- D
Take the toner cartridges and UPS battery home and dispose of them with household recycling
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
This question tests practical application of environmental and regulatory requirements in a workplace scenario. Under A+ Core 2 objectives, technicians are expected to recognize that items such as batteries, toner cartridges, and other potentially hazardous materials must be handled according to organizational policy and applicable regulations. UPS batteries often contain lead-acid or other regulated battery chemistries and should be sent through approved recycling or hazardous-waste channels. Toner cartridges are typically recycled through vendor or manufacturer programs rather than placed in general trash. Best practice is to store such items in a designated area, use Safety Data Sheet information where applicable, and follow documented disposal procedures. This aligns with common EPA-focused environmental handling practices in the United States and standard workplace safety controls.
- A. Incorrect.
This is incorrect. Used toner cartridges and UPS batteries should not be thrown into normal trash. Batteries, especially lead-acid types commonly used in UPS units, are subject to environmental handling and recycling requirements. Toner cartridges are also commonly handled through manufacturer take-back or approved recycling programs rather than general waste disposal.
- B. Correct.
This is correct. The technician should follow company policy and approved disposal procedures by placing the items in the proper designated area for recycling or hazardous waste processing. In a regulated workplace such as a medical office, documenting and using approved disposal channels helps maintain compliance with environmental and safety requirements and reduces risk from chemical exposure or improper waste handling.
- C. Incorrect.
This is incorrect. A technician should not open, drain, or dismantle a leaking UPS battery unless specifically trained, equipped, and authorized under proper hazardous-material handling procedures. Doing so increases the risk of chemical exposure and environmental contamination. The correct action is controlled storage and disposal through approved channels.
- D. Incorrect.
This is incorrect. Removing potentially regulated waste from the business for personal disposal bypasses company controls, documentation, and approved disposal processes. Household recycling programs may not accept business-generated toner waste or industrial batteries, and this could create liability and compliance problems.