Waste mercury lamps are one of the commonly generated hazardous wastes that the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) designates as universal waste.

Universal wastes are regulated under a special streamlined and simplified set of regulations called the California Universal Waste Rule. These regulations are much less complex than the general hazardous waste regulations, but must be followed to legally manage waste mercury lamps.

The introductory portions of the Universal Waste Rule contain general standards for all persons managing universal waste.

• Scope: Section 66273.1 establishes requirements for managing all types of universal waste, including mercury lamps.
• Applicability: Section 66273.5 establishes requirements for persons managing any type of mercury lamp.
• Definitions: Section 66273.9 defines key terms used in the Universal Waste Rule.

Laws for Universal Waste Handlers and Transporters
Handlers are people that generate universal waste and handle it prior to the facilities that actually recycle the waste. Transporters carry the waste from handlers to recycling facilities.

Specific segments of the California Universal Waste Rule apply to each group.

• Small quantity handlers (have less than 5,000 kg (11,000 lbs or 5.5 tons) of universal waste on hand at any one time)
• Large quantity handlers (have at least 5,000 kg (11,000 lbs or 5.5 tons) of universal waste on hand at any one time)
• Transporters

For questions about content, please contact the Regional Assistance Officerse at (800) 72-TOXIC
(800-728-6942) or go to http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/ContactDtsc/Regulatory-Assistance-Officers.cfm