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Universal waste includes hazardous materials that can harm the environment if not properly disposed of. This guide covers the identification and proper disposal procedures for universal wastes commonly found in offices or laboratories, such as used electronic devices, batteries, and mercury-containing bulbs. We explain the classification criteria, examples of waste, and safe disposal methods. Additionally, it highlights the importance of cleaning data from devices before disposal and provides guidelines for safe spill response.
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Introduction Introduction • Universal wastes may release hazardous materials into the environment if incinerated or buried in a landfill • Hazardous materials are not released during normal use • Universal wastes are sent to special facilities where components are removed and recycled
Main Menu Identification of a Universal Waste Disposal procedures for Universal Waste Cleaning up a spill from a device considered Universal Waste
Identification of a Universal Waste Types of Universal Waste • There are three major categories of universal waste found in the office or laboratory setting: Used electronic devices Batteries Mercury containing bulbs & equipment
Used electronic devices Criteria for classification as Universal Waste • An electronic device is considered a universal waste if it contains a: • circuit board, or • cathode ray tube AND • Is used primarily for • data transfer or storage, or • communication or entertainment purposes
Used electronic devices Examples of electronics considered Universal Waste • Desk top computers • Laptop computers • Computer peripherals • keyboards and mice • monitors • scanners and printers • Video cassette recorders • Compact disk players • Digital video disk players and recorders • Radios and televisions • MP3 players and camcorders • Telephones and cellular phones
Used electronic devices Examples of electronics not considered Universal Waste • Microwaves • Refrigerators • Toasters • Paper shredders
Used electronic devices Rational for classification as Universal Waste • Circuit boards may contain small amounts of: • toxic metals such as lead and mercury, and • precious metals such as silver, gold and platinum • Cathode ray tubes may contain lead
Batteries Batteries as Universal Waste • Batteries that can release hazardous materials to the atmosphere if incinerated are considered universal wastes • All rechargeable batteries are universal wastes including: • Nickel cadmium • Nickel metal hydride • Lithium ion • Button batteries should also be considered universal waste • The common single use alkaline batteries are not considered universal waste but may be recycled through OEHS
Batteries Temporary Storage of Batteries • A battery bucket can be used to collect batteries and small electronic devices considered to be universal wastes. • Buckets are available from the Office of Environmental Health and Safety and are placed in the area generating the waste but never in hallways or outside areas • Dispose of the battery buckets as you would other universal wastes • Ensure that you recycle the contents of the bucket at least 11 months after collection start date located on the side of the bucket
Mercury containing bulbs & equipment Universal Waste Containing Mercury • Mercury containing lights and equipment are considered universal wastes • Common equipment that may contain mercury include: • Thermometers • Mercury manometers • Thermostats
Mercury containing bulbs & equipment Universal Waste Containing Mercury • All fluorescent tubes and bulbs contain mercury and are considered universal waste • The mercury is released if the lamp is broken but the amount is too small to represent a health risk. However it could lead to environmental contamination at disposal sites • Lamps that contain mercury include: • Fluorescent tubes, U-shapes and compacts • High intensity discharge lamps • UV bulbs found in biological safety cabinets • Regular incandescent bulbs do not contain mercury and are not a universal waste
Disposal procedures – Universal Waste How To Dispose of a Universal Waste • Download and complete the universal waste recycling form (link below) • Return the completed form to the Office of Environmental Health and Safety • Print and/or copy the form and place it on the items to be removed (make sure they are easily identifiable) • Keep the items together in a temporary storage location but NOT in hallways, public spaces or loading docks • The Universal waste will be picked up by a contractor within 5-10 working days • Only materials purchased with Yale funds are eligible for pick up
Disposal procedures – Universal Waste Erasing Stored Data • The hard drive or other data storage device on electronic equipment must be completely erased prior to disposal • Follow ITS procedures • This is your responsibility and prevents loss of confidential information or other data
Spill clean up – Universal Waste Mercury Spills • Some spills of universal wastes must be cleaned up using specialized equipment or techniques. • Mercury spills from broken thermometers and manometers fall into this category • Call OEHS for assistance or the campus police (111) after normal hours (between 5:00 pm and 8:30 am)
Summary Remember to: • Before disposing electronic devices, bulbs and batteries check to see if they are a universal waste • Collect universal wastes in areas where they will not be spilled or broken • Complete and submit the universal waste recycling form to OEHS • Place copies of the universal waste form on items to be removed • Immediately report significant mercury spills from mercury containing equipment
Exit Exiting Program • Thank you for participating in this training program • Call the OEHS waste request line if you have any questions – 785-3551
