Universal Waste

Universal Waste is a universal problem

NEW!!! DTSC forms the LETRA Task Force to address AB 1109.

NEW!!! AB 1109 Lighting Task Force Meeting April 28th

Globe in Hands

Universal wastes are hazardous wastes that are generated by a wide variety of people that contain mercury, lead, cadmium, copper and other substances hazardous to human and environmental health. In general, universal waste may not be discarded in solid waste landfills. Examples of these wastes are batteries, fluorescent tubes, and some electronic devices. The best way to reduce the harmful effects of the wastes on human health and the environment is to reduce consumption. The next best thing is to make sure you DON’T throw them in the trash!

What to do when you break a Fluorescent Light

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

Types of Universal Wastes and What makes them Hazardous

Batteries--Includes all 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
Mercury wastes like thermometers and toys-- Mercury
Non-empty Aerosol Cans -- Propane, Butane, Pesticides
Televisions-- Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, PCBs

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.

10 Things to Recycle That You Never Thought You Could
The CIWMB 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 of 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.