Universal Waste

Some items removed during construction, renovation, or day to day use must be handled in specific ways to meet Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ORDEQ) regulations. Rechargeable batteries, mercury-containing switches, used bulbs (fluorescent, CFL, HID etc.), and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) containing light ballasts, must be carefully stored to prevent breakage or release of toxic constituents to the environment. Improper management is the leading cause of universal waste violations and contractors may be liable for violations. 

Universal waste includes:

  • Aerosols and Spray Cans
  • Batteries
  • Light Bulbs
  • Mercury-containing Devices
  • Pesticides

Oil and paint are often found with universal waste and require similar treatment. 

More information about preparing some types of universal waste are below. To schedule a universal waste pick up or drop off containers, or to access the EHS Connex contact the Hazardous Materials Group. 

Batteries (Lithium, Nickel Cadmium/Metal Hydride, Lead Acid)

  • Cover any battery connection with tape to prevent short circuiting.
  • Collect batteries where they will not be damaged.

Light Bulbs

  • Store used bulbs and lamps in sealable boxes or tubes. Do not mix fluorescent and LED bulbs.
  • Tape the boxes closed when full or done for the day.
  • Place boxes on the ground where they will not be damaged or fall over.
  • Place a completed Universal Waste sticker with accumulation date (date the material is first added to a container) on the box. If sticker is unavailable, write "used lamps" or "used LED" on boxes and add an accumulation date. 
Purple label with Universal Waste at top, space below for contents, accumulation start date, shipper, and address
Universal Waste stickers should be filled out and attached to boxes or containers. 
Boxes neatly stacked, sealed shut, with labels taped on the sides.
Boxes must sealed, in good condition, and labled with accumulation date. 

PCB Ballasts

Polycholorinated biphenyls (PCB) from older fluorescent light bulb fixtures and capacitors. 

  • Remove and store PCB ballasts away from any other material that may be destined for metal recycling processes.
  • Store PCB ballasts in sealed, leak proof metal drums or containers.
  • Label the container with a completed PCB sticker and a Universal Waste sticker. 
Black and white label emphasizing No PCBs on right side.
Always look for the non PCBs marking on old magnetic ballasts.
Yellow label with black striped border. Caution Contains PCBS written at top, special handling required, EPA regulation 40 CFR 761. Contact nearest EPA office for disposal information.
If not found, it must be treated as PCB containing. A PCB sticker must be used to label the container. 

Mercury-containing Devices

Can be found in older temperature regulation devices such as thermostats or thermometers, switches, or barometers.