Universal Waste Management
Universal waste rules allow common, low-hazard wastes to be managed under less stringent requirements than other hazardous wastes. As of February 8, 2006, Universal Wastes at Stanford can no longer be disposed of in the trash.
- Batteries, other than automotive-type (AA, AAA, C cells, D cells, mercury, and hearing aid or "button" batteries), may contain a corrosive chemical that can cause burns as well as toxic heavy metals like cadmium.
- Small electronic devices include pdas, cell phones, calculators, and component parts, etc. (small devices that will fit in the recycle pail).
- Large electronic devices such as cathode ray tubes (CRTs), computers, or peripherals often contain heavy metals like lead, cadmium, copper, and chromium.
- Fluorescent bulbs and tubes may contain mercury vapor that
may be released
to the environment when they are broken. - Non-empty aerosol cans may contain products that are toxic.
- Mercury-containing switches and unbroken thermometers - Mercury is a toxic metal that can cause harm to people and animals including nerve damage and birth defects. If mercury is released into the environment it can contaminate the air we breathe and enter streams, rivers, and the ocean, where it can contaminate fish that people eat.
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Universal Waste Requirements
- Label with the words "UNIVERSAL WASTE", the specific contents/waste type (only one type), and the accumulation start date.
- Printed labels are available through Environmental Health and Safety, the Compliance Assistance Program team member for your building, or use the Universal Waste template to print labels on your own laser printer (Avery 5164).
- The information can be handwritten on the container; critical information are the words "UNIVERSAL WASTE", the contents (Batteries, Lamps, or Electronic Devices) and the accumulation start date.
- Disposal - There is a one year accumulation time limit!
- Drop off Used Batteries and Small Electronic Devices at recycling locations in the Stanford School of Medicine. This service is provided by Stanford's Environmental Health and Safety Office.
- Fluorescent tubes - Stanford Hospital and Clinic Engineering and Maintenance (3-5555) replaces fluorescent tubes in overhead light fixtures. For other used tubes, label following Universal Waste Requirements and arrange for disposal using the online pickup request.
- Large electronic devices such as cathode ray tubes (CRTs) - work with your Department Property Administrator (DPA) for proper disposal.
- Aerosol cans, mercury-containing switches - label and submit an online pickup request.
- Note on Used Batteries - Some departments have set up their own satellite collection points in departmental mail rooms, administrative offices, or laboratories. Label containers as UNIVERSAL WASTE following Universal Waste Requirements; deliver used batteries to one of the designated battery recycling locations.
Additional Information
- Universal Waste at Stanford University
- Universal Waste from the DTSC Website
- Final Regulations: Universal Waste Rule
Last update 01/30/08 @ 08:35
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