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Universal Waste

Submitted by simonk on Mon, 09/15/2008 - 11:02.

Why You Need to Understand "Universal" Waste

New Law Changes What You Can Throw Away

Batteries and compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) are just two items that can no longer be put in your trash. Effective February 9, 2006, it became illegal to dispose of household batteries, cell phones and fluorescent light tubes and bulbs in the trash. Batteries include both rechargeable and single-use batteries of all sizes. 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 people and the environment 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.

Please click on this link for an op-ed article on CFLs by Burlingame City Council Member Terry Nagel published in the SF Chronicle on September 4, 2008.

Legal Disposal Options and Drop Off:

Shoreway Recycling and Disposal Center (Gate #1)

333 Shoreway Road, San Carlos, 650-592-2411

Contact the County of San Mateo Household Hazardous Waste Program for additional drop-off options at:

San Mateo County Environmental Health Services

www.smchealth.org/hhw
650-363-4718

For more information about the new California Universal Waste Rule, visit any of the following websites:

State of California, Department of Toxic Substances Control
http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/

California Integrated Waste Management Board
http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/

San Mateo County RecycleWorks
http://www.RecycleWorks.org and click on "Toxics"

RethinkWaste.org
Universal Wastes to be Prohibited From Disposal

List of Universal Waste Items

The list of items now considered Universal Waste is actually quite large and varied. The common theme is that these products contain hazardous substances such as heavy metals or brominated fire retardants. Universal Waste includes the following:

  • Greeting cards that play music
  • Shoes with lighted soles
  • Certain maze games containing 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 more information about the new California Universal Waste Rule, visit any of the following websites:

State of California, Department of Toxic Substances Control
http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/

California Integrated Waste Management Board
http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/

RethinkWaste.org
Universal Wastes to be Prohibited From Disposal

Alternatives to Minimize Universal Waste

So how do you avoid buying products that end up being Universal Waste? Below is 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
  • E-greeting cards
  • Sustainable landscaping methods: compost, alternative cleaners
  • Bay Friendly Gardening Book (see www.flowstobay.org)
  • Compressed gas cylinder exchange program
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