Universal Waste
New Law Changes What You Can Throw Away
Why You Need to Understand "Universal" Waste
Batteries and fluorescent tubes are just two items you can no longer put in your trash.
Effective February 9, 2006, it is illegal to dispose of household batteries as well as fluorescent light tubes and bulbs in the garbage. Batteries include all sizes and both rechargeable and single-use. These products, known as Universal Waste or U-Waste, contain heavy metals like cadmium, mercury, lead, and other toxic chemicals that can be harmful to the environment and to people if put in the trash.
Other items banned from the landfill include electronic devices like computers, TVs, cell phones, and mercury-containing thermometers and thermostats.
Legal Disposal Options & Drop Off
San Carlos Recycling Center (Gate 1) 333 Shoreway Road, 650-592-2411
County of San Mateo Household Hazardous Waste Program, 650-363-4718 - www.flowstobay.org (Contact them for additional drop-off options.)
U-Waste from California EPA
The California Environmental Protection Agenda provided a press release on universal waste when the new law went into effect.
View the Press Release (PDF)
For more information about the new California Universal Waste Rule, visit www.RecycleWorks.org and click on "Toxics".
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U-Waste Q & A
If you're interested in learning more about what is and is not universal waste, please read the DTSC's brief overview below.
View Universal Wastes to be Prohibited From Disposal (PDF)
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List of U-Waste Items
The list of items now considered universal waste is actually quite large and varied. The common theme is that these materials contains heavy metals or electronics containing heavy metals or brominated fire retardants. We include a list of materials here for your convenience:
- Greeting cards that play music
- Shoes with lighted soles
- Certain maze games contain mercury
- Electronics: video cassette recorders (VCRs), cordless and regular telephones, radios
- Pilot light sensors, electric switches, barometers, blood pressure devices, stoves, ovens, water heaters, space heaters, clothes dryers, and furnaces frequently use mercury switches
- Common batteries: AA, AAA, C cells, D cells, and button batteries, such as those used in hearing aids.
- Landscape Chemicals: pesticides and herbicides
- Compressed gas cylinders
For a complete list of materials, visit the California Waste Board's HHW page.
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Alternatives to Minimize U-Waste
So how do you avoid buying products that contain the heavy metals and chemicals that make them hazardous? Here we include a brief list of some ideas for alternative products that are made with non-toxic materials.
- Shoes with reflective materials instead of lights
- Electronic medical devices, such as electronics thermometers, blood pressure devices
- Rechargeable batteries instead of single use batteries
- Greeting cards made from recycled paper or reclaimed cards from St. Jude's Ranch for Children at stjudesranch.org
- E-greeting cards
- Sustainable landscaping methods: compost, alternative cleaners; Visit Our Water - Our World at http://www.ourwaterourworld.org/ for ideas on how to sustainably manage home and garden pests
- Bay Friendly Gardening Book (see www.flowstobay.org)
- Compressed gas cylinder exchange program
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Mercury Falling
Landfill Ban on Thermometers and Switches
Many older thermometers, thermostats, electrical switches and gauges (such as barometers and manometers) contain poisonous mercury. Since February of this year, it is illegal to put these items into the garbage, to help prevent mercury from escaping into soil and water.
Protect yourself and the environment by replacing mercury-containing items with safe alternatives, such as mercury-free thermometers and digital thermostats. You can dispose of your old products safely through the San Mateo County Household Hazardous Waste Program. Call (650) 363-4718 or visit www.smhealth.org/hhw to make a drop-off appointment at one of their weekly collection events, held throughout the county.
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