Universal Waste

“Universal Waste” refers to a specific set of hazardous waste items commonly used and disposed of by businesses and other non-households. Federal and state rules are meant to encourage and streamline management of the following hazardous wastes:

• rechargeable batteries,
• pesticides,
• mercury-containing equipment (e.g., thermostats), and
• lamps (e.g., fluorescent bulbs).

The goal of the universal waste management requirements is to reduce the amount of hazardous waste that ends up in solid waste landfills and that may eventually pollute waterways.

• Fact Sheets
  • Managing Vehicle Mercury Switches
  • Waste Batteries
  • Waste Lamps and Ballasts
  • Waste Mercury Thermostats
  • Waste Pesticides
  • Universal Waste Handlers
• Notification Forms
  • Site Identification Form
  • Universal Waste Activity Form

Universal Waste Management Services

• Businesses Collecting Universal Waste

Policies, Regulations and Rules

• 40 Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) 273
• Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 340-113 (see Laws and Regulations link at top of page)

Useful Links

• EPA universal waste Web site

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