Universal Waste

Universal wastes are hazardous wastes that have special hazardous waste management requirements. In essence, they are exempted from the traditional hazardous waste management requirements, provided that the generator follows alternative management requirements that ensure safe handling, recycling, or disposal.

Universal wastes are generated by a wide segment of the population, including households. 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. Examples of Universal wastes are:

• batteries
• thermostats
• lamps
• cathode ray tubes
• electronic devices
• aerosol containers
• mercury wastes