Universal Waste

Changing Regulations •Universal Waste Regulations started with Businesses and were eventually extended to Households.

•These are common products with low-hazard properties.

•Here are items are considered Universal Wastes: -Batteries -Aerosol Cans -Mercury Containing Devices (ie. Thermometer and Mercury Switches) -Fluorescent Bulbs -Televisions/Monitors -Computers -Electronic Devices (ie. Cell Phones and Printers)

Batteries

Alkaline NiCad Lithium Button Cell Sealed Lead Acid

Aerosol Cans

All Types of Aerosols- Full, Partially Full and Empty

Mercury Switches/Devices

Thermometers Tilt sensors

– Doors – Lids

Temp switch Thermostat probes

Collection of Mercury Switches/Devices

Broken Switches/Devices -Collect any spilled Mercury and Store in a plastic

container

Do not try to dismantle -Store and Label as Universal Waste

Notify & Arrange Disposal with EH&S (X46778) -Call prior to delivery at Waste Storage Facility

Fluorescent Light Tubes

Fluorescent tubes – All Types

High intensity discharge (HID) – Sodium vapor – Metal halide – Some automobile – Floodlights

Incandescent Light Bulbs

These are also collected. As well as UV light tubes and other specialty bulbs.

Lamp Collection

All Labs/Studios are responsible for collecting lamps when it is part of their equipment.

Broken Lamps

Treat as Universal Waste not trash. Put in a sealed, rigid container.

– Label container “broken lamps” with date when container is first used.

Contact EH&S (x46778) for pickup or prior to delivery to the Waste Storage Facility.

General Requirements for Managing Universal Waste

Storage Labeling Time Limits Disposal

Storage of Universal Waste

Storage containers for universal waste needs to: – Prevent leakage – Prevent damage – Be able to close

Labeling of Universal Waste

All universal waste must include the following:

A description of the waste: Waste (or Used) Batteries, Waste (or Used) Lamps…

For E-Waste: Universal Waste: Electronic Devices The “Accumulation Start Date” with the complete date

to include the month, the day and the year.

Sample Label

UNIVERSAL WASTE Used Lamps

Accumulation start date: July 10, 2007

Time limits

“Universal Waste” can not be accumulated in any area or department longer than 9 months.

“Universal Waste” needs to be removed from an area or department once a storage container is full.

Most containers are full within 3 months.

Disposing of Universal Waste

Contact EH&S to arrange a pick up of your Universal Waste (x46778).

Don’t drop off materials that are not properly packaged or labeled.

If you deliver the material to the Waste Storage Facility, you MUST contact EH&S prior to delivery.

Disposing of Universal Waste

For Large Electronic Devices, CRT’s (TV’s, Monitors), or Computer Equipment and Accessories, please contact Business Services’ Material Management for collection, evaluation, and disposition (X40950).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: If I am upgrading my computer system, is all the old equipment now Universal Waste?

A: No. Until it has been evaluated for potential reuse, the equipment is not waste. Business Services will make that determination. This also pertains to other Electronic Devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do we need a sticker label to attach onto a Universal Waste container?

A: No, it can be handwritten with the waste description and accumulation date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is responsible for compliance to Universal Waste laws?

A: Everyone! Employees and Students. The Hazardous Materials Inspector (County of San Diego) will come to campus and inspect work sites, classrooms, laboratories, and even dumpsters!!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why do you have to notify EH&S or Material Management to dispose of Universal Waste?

A: Universal Waste is highly regulated waste stream. No notification, including no labeling, is abandoned waste and a violation per Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations.

The End