Recycling of Universal Waste

Universal wastes are a specific classification of hazardous waste commonly produced by households and businesses. As defined in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) in part 273, universal waste materials consist of the following items:

  • Batteries
  • Pesticides
  • Mercury-Containing Equipment
  • Lamps

These waste materials contain a myriad of harmful toxic substances including mercury, lead, and phosphor. As such, universal wastes cannot be disposed of by conventional methods such as solid waste landfills.

Landfills, in particular, are especially intolerant of various types of universal waste materials. Mercury and lead found in batteries and lamps can leach into and contaminate nearby groundwater sources. Additionally, alternative disposal methods, such as incineration, can create mercury vapors that can travel more than 200 miles. This highly toxic vapor is known to have detrimental effects on the human nervous system and is also poisonous to the kidneys and other organs.

Businesses and other generators of such wastes are, therefore, required to provide for proper disposal and recycling using methods recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Our Universal Waste Recycling Services

At Lowcountry Environmental Services, we ensure that the proper tools, equipment, and vehicles are employed in the removal, packaging, and transportation of universal waste in accordance with the relevant state and federal regulations. We are equipped to handle several categories of universal waste including:

  • Electric lamps – Fluorescent, high-intensity, sodium vapor, and electric tubes or bulbs that contain mercury, lead, phosphor or any other environmentally hazardous material.
  • Batteries – Most household and industrial batteries including rechargeable, nickel-cadmium, silver button, and alkaline batteries
  • Electronic devices – Computers, televisions, mobile phones, copiers, printers and a wide variety of other electronic devices with or without cathode ray tubes (CRTs)
  • Mercury-containing equipment – Measuring instruments including thermostats, thermometers, mercury switches, gauges, gas flow regulators, etc.

Lowcountry Environmental Services makes every effort to ensure that universal waste material gets recycled appropriately. We relinquish all universal waste to an approved destination facility. These facilities have the necessary permits to treat, store, recycle, or dispose of hazardous waste materials. We will also provide you with the appropriate certificates and paperwork or any other certification. Our lead times for universal waste disposal are often as short as one week.

At Lowcountry, our goal is to ensure that all universal waste is sustainably diverted away from landfills to the suitable and licensed collection facilities. Our team of waste management experts will work with you in properly managing your waste stream, helping you achieve your sustainability goals while complying with EPA, state, and local government regulations.

To learn more about how Lowcountry Environmental Services can help with your waste removal needs, feel free to contact us.