Universal Waste

Universal Waste is a universal problem

Globe in Hands

Universal waste comes primarily from consumer products containing mercury, lead, cadmium and other substances that are hazardous to human health and the environment. These items cannot be discarded in household trash nor disposed of in landfills. Examples of universal waste are batteries, fluorescent tubes, and many electronic devices.

Types of Universal Wastes and What makes them Hazardous

Batteries--Includes most household batteries, AAA, AA, C, D, button cell, 9-volt, and all others, both rechargeable and single use --Cadmium, Copper and (In older batteries) Mercury
Cell Phones-- Antimony , Arsenic, Beryllium, Cadmium, Copper, Lead, Nickel, Zinc
Computers and Computer Monitors-- Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, PCBs
Electronic Devices --Lead
Fluorescent Lamps --Mercury
Information on the Mercury Thermostat Collection Act of 2008
Mercury wastes like thermometers and toys-- Mercury
Non-empty Aerosol Cans -- Propane, Butane, Pesticides
Televisions-- Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, PCBs

Information for Generators, Handlers, and Recyclers

Information on proper management of Universal Wastes

Certified Appliance Recyclers page

Do you need an EPA ID number?

File a Notification or Annual Report for UWEDs and CRTs

Where to Take these Wastes?

Join Oscar the Grouch's "Not in My Trash Can-paign" by keeping universal wastes out of the trash.
Find a Take it Back Partner to properly recycle your fluorescent lights, batteries, and electronic wastes.

CalRecycle's database has a list of business that collect and recycle all types of universal wastes in California
eRecycle.org is specially designed for recycling electronic wastes and answering any additional questions
Earth911.org lists information on all facilities that collect and recycle universal wastes and household hazardous wastes
DTSC's UWED & CRT database has a list of all collectors and recyclers in California that handle electronic devices.

What about Major Appliances?

Major Appliances contain mercury and other ozone depleting chemicals that are dangerous for human and environmental health. These appliances include the following items.

washing machine
clothes dryer
hot water heater
dehumidifier
conventional oven or microwave oven
stove
refrigerator or freezer
air-conditioner
trash compactor
residential furnace

These items can not go into our landfills. When you are ready to recycle one of these items you can have it taken away for a fee by the company that delivers a new appliance or you can call a Certified Appliance Recycler to recycle it.

How is California doing recycling Universal Wastes?

The following are reports on the our recycling rates in California for certain wastes.