Universal wastes are EPA regulated materials that are both hazardous to the environment and commonly found in industry as well as households. Because the materials are common, they are known as Universal Waste. Items identified as Universal Waste include:
- Aerosol cans that are pressurized containers holding a propellant used to expel material.
- Batteries containing hazardous materials, such as NiCad, lithium and lead-acid batteries.
- Fluorescent or other lamps that contain mercury vapor.
- Mercury containing instruments such as thermometers, barometers, and thermostats.
In the State of Iowa, alkaline batteries and incandescent lamps are not considered hazardous or universal waste, and may be thrown away in the regular trash.
Contact information and areas of expertise may be found on the Contact Us page.
Documents
Training
- Universal Waste Management - W500HZ
- Training on proper handling of universal waste is required initially.
- Audience: All employees who handle or have responsibility for managing universal waste batteries, lamps or mercury containing equipment must complete this course.
For further training and registration information, go to EHS Safety Training.
Resources
- Universal Waste Management Program
- Universal Waste Lamp Instructions
- Waste Pickup Information
- Chemical Waste Pickup Request Form (Use this form to request pickup of aerosol cans, batteries and mercury containing equipment)
- Label Request Form (Labels are free of charge and will be sent through campus mail)
- Lamp Pickup Request Form (Use this form to request pickup by General Stores; lamps must be packaged in containers provided by General Stores or in cardboard boxes.)
- To request pickup of individual lamps/bulbs from lab or IT equipment, use the Chemical Waste Pickup Request Form, above.
- Weekly Pickup Schedule