Universal Waste

Universal wastes are a new category of "less" regulated wastes that include:

• Fluorescent and high intensity discharge (HID) lamps with mercury
• Lead/acid, nickel/cadmium, lithium and mercury batteries (not alkaline); and
• Mercury containing equipment

Mercury Containing Wastes

Mercury, a heavy metal, is toxic to the human nervous system and children and unborn fetuses are more susceptible to the negative effects of mercury. Fluorescent and HID lamps contain mercury. It is the goal of the University to keep these lamps out of municipal landfills and incinerators by the proper handling and disposal of mercury containing lamps.

If you handle fluorescent or HID lamps, please review the following:

• Universal Waste Training Program
• Guidelines for the Handling of Used Fluorescent & HID Lamps:
  • English
  • Spanish
• Management of Used Mercury-Containing Lamps Policy

Use the attached template to print the proper labels for fluorescent lamp boxes on 2"x4" Avery Shipping Labels .

Used Batteries

Lead/Acid, nickel/cadmium, lithium, mercury, and other heavy metal containing batteries must be disposed of properly. Used batteries should have an Avery Used Batteries Label attached. Send used batteries to Environmental Health & Safety (Zip=6200) or call 2-6410 for a pickup of large items or quantities.

Additional Information

For more information, please click one of the following links:

• EPA Regulations Governing Universal Wastes (40CFR Part 273)
• NYSDEC Division of Solid and Hazardous Materials
• EPA Information on Handling Mercury Containing Articles
• Mercury in the Environment
• NYSDEC Information on Mercury

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