Universal waste is a category of waste materials designated as "hazardous waste", but containing materials that are very common. It is defined in , by the United States Environmental Protection Agency but states may also have corollary regulations regarding these materials.
Universal waste includes:
Batteries; lithium, Silver ion, nickel cadmium (Ni-Cad), mercury-oxide, or sealed lead-acid. Spent Lead-Acid Batteries being reclaimed do not need to be managed as universal waste. Pesticides; Stocks of a suspended and canceled pesticide that are part of a voluntary or mandatory recall Mercury Containing Equipment; a device or part of a device (including thermostats) that contains elemental mercury integral to its function. Lamps; include, but are not limited to, fluorescent, high intensity discharge, neon, mercury vapor, high pressure sodium, and metal halide lamps. Aerosol cans: a non-refillable receptacle containing a compressed gas, liquid, or solution under pressure for expelling a liquid, paste, or powder. These include, but are not limited to spray paints, lubricants, solvents, adhesives.
Businesses and other generators of such waste are required to provide for their proper disposal.
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