Universal wastes are hazardous wastes that are generated by a wide variety of people. Examples include batteries and fluorescent tubes. Universal waste rules allow common, low-hazard wastes to be managed under less stringent requirements than other hazardous wastes. California's Universal Waste Rule became effective on February 8, 2002. Since that time, several other common wastes have been added to the list of universal wastes. These include mercury wastes, consumer electronic devices and cathode ray tubes (CRTs).
Regulatory Background for the Final Rule
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Fact Sheets about the Emergency Regulations for Universal Wastes
(Archival only, no longer relevant)
Enforcement Authority (DTSC Reference Number: R-02-08)
Information and Fact Sheets about the Universal Wastes Rule
