Universal Waste

Effective February 8, 2006 it is illegal to dispose of universal waste with regular trash.   Universal waste includes Household Batteries, Fluorescent Bulbs, Mercury Thermometers and many Electronic Devices (including but not necessarily limited to: Computers, Printers, Microwave Ovens, VCRs, Radios, Cordless Telephones, Cellular Telephones and Answering Machines).  For the most up to date listing of items considered to be Universal Waste, see the California Department of Toxic Substances Control's Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Factsheet. 

The following is an alphabetic list of waste types that are potentially universal waste.  Click any link below to display a list of companies that recycle that material.

Batteries  |  Electronic Devices  |  Fluorescent Bulbs  |  Mercury  |  Other Household Hazardous Waste

Batteries Batteries: Auto / Lead Acid Batteries: Buttons Batteries: Household / Flashlight Batteries: Ni-Cad, Ni-MH, Li-ion Batteries: Rechargeable Electronic Devices Some electronic items are accepted at FREE E-Waste Recycling Events. Cameras & Video Equipment - Non-Working (Recycle) | Cameras & Video Equipment - Working (Reuse) Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs) / Monitors Cellular Phones - Non-working | Cellular Phones - Reuse Computer Monitors: Non-working | Computer Monitors: Working - Reuse Computer Peripherals: Non-working | Computer Peripherals - Reuse Computers: Non-Working | Computers - Reuse Copy Machines: Non-working | Copy Machines - Reuse Electronics: Scrap - Recycle | Electronics - Reuse Faxes / Printers - Non-working | Faxes / Printers - Reuse Hearing Aids Medical Surplus - Reuse Printers / Faxes: Non-working | Printers / Faxes - Reuse Sewing Machines - Reuse Smoke Detectors Stereos & Radios - Non-working | Stereos & Radios - Reuse Televisions: Non-working | Televisions: Working - Reuse Tools - Reuse Toys / Games - Reuse Typewriters - Reuse VCRs: Non-working | VCRs: Working Certain APPLIANCES (such as microwaves and many gas appliances) are classified as hazardous waste and banned from landfill disposal.  For additional assistance in determining whether an appliance is determined hazardous and banned from landfill disposal, call the Department of Toxics Substances Control's Waste Evaluation help line at (916) 322-7676.  APPLIANCES are not accepted at the Free E-Waste Events. Click here to display a list of companies that recycle APPLIANCES.   Fluorescent Bulbs Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFL) Fluorescent Lighting Ballasts Fluorescent Tubes / Lamps Mercury Mercury Thermometers: Mercury

Household Hazardous Waste Facilities

Didn't find what you were looking for?  Contact our Recycling Hotline (see below) or try using our Search Feature, checking our Full List of All Materials or visit Alameda County's Recycling & Reuse Website.