Universal Waste

Universal Waste includes a wide range of materials, including electronics, some lighting equipment and some batteries.

Examples of universal waste.

What Items are "Electronics"

Televisions and monitors, computers and computer peripherals, audio and stereo equipment, VCRs, DVD players, video cameras, telephones, fax and copying machines, cellular phones, wireless devices, and video game consoles are primary examples of electronics.

Why prevent electronics from entering the landfill?

Some components of these electronic devices may contain constituents that if improperly handled could be harmful to the environment. Certain components may contain small amounts of RCRA regulated heavy metals, including lead, silver, barium, cadmium and mercury. Many of these metals can be recovered and recycled by de-manufacturing and recycling of electronic devices.

What are the Regulations Concerning Electronics Disposal for Businesses?

It is the generator's responsibility to determine if his waste meets the criteria established for hazardous waste, and if so, the generator will bear sole responsibility for the proper management of this material. EPA has proposed that electronics destined for recycling be managed under the Universal Waste provisions of its regulations.

Other Items Considered Universal Waste

Straight, U-shape, HID, shielded and coated florescent lamps, alkaline, nickel-cadmium, lithium, lead sealed cell, and lead acid batteries, lighting ballasts both PCB and non-PCB and HID as well as thermostats are all considered to be universal waste.