Universal waste collection and recycling: batteries, bulbs, ballasts and e-waste
We collect universal waste and electronic waste from your facility and recycle it, with the paperwork handled. It's part of our Hazardous & Special Waste Division, and it never goes in the trash.
We reply the same business day. No account needed to ask.
What universal waste is, and why it can't go in the dumpster
"Universal waste" is a category in the federal hazardous waste rules for common items that almost every business throws out and that contain hazardous materials: batteries, fluorescent bulbs and other lamps, and equipment containing mercury, among others. Some states add more items to the list, including electronics. The rules for handling them are simpler than for other hazardous waste, but they still can't go in the trash.
Universal Environmental Services helps keep our landfills and environment free from hazardous materials by recycling all your Universal and Electronic waste.
Universal Environmental Services offers solutions to recycling batteries and e-waste properly, making sure that your facility is keeping the environment clean and safe, as well as staying within all government regulations concerning battery, ballast, bulbs, and e-waste disposal.
- Collected from your facility, or shipped in the boxes we send for bulbs.
- Recycled, not landfilled.
- Records for your files, and your service history in the Customer Portal.
- Handled by our Hazardous & Special Waste Division, separately from the used oil that goes to our re-refinery.
Kept separate from our oil stream. Used oil goes to our re-refinery in Peachtree City, Ga. Universal waste never does. It's collected, tracked and recycled separately, with its own paperwork.
See the division pageFour kinds of universal waste, and what's in them
Each one contains something that makes it hazardous in a landfill. That's why it's regulated, and why we collect it.
Batteries
Batteries come in all different types, shapes, and sizes, but almost all contain hazardous materials that make them dangerous if improperly disposed of. Intact batteries of all types and sizes are handled as non-hazardous waste. Damaged batteries are handled as hazardous waste.
Request a pickupBallasts
Ballasts may contain many different components considered toxic, such as PCBs and DEHPs. Non-PCB ballasts are handled as non-hazardous waste. PCB ballasts and PCB contaminated waste are handled as hazardous waste.
Request a pickupFluorescent bulbs and lamps
Fluorescent tubes and other lamps contain mercury. Whole lamps of all types and sizes are handled as non-hazardous waste. Crushed lamps are handled as hazardous waste. We send cardboard containers with prepaid return labels, you fill them, and full boxes are picked up and shipped for recycling.
Fluorescent Bulb CollectionElectronic waste
Electronic waste, also known as e-waste, is anything from obsolete computers to TVs to circuit boards. E-waste often contains toxins and hazardous chemicals (Examples: lead and mercury.)
Request a pickupSomething else on the list?
Mercury thermostats, aerosol cans and other items on your state's universal waste list. Tell us what you have and we'll tell you whether we collect it and how it ships.
Ask usNot universal waste?
Chemicals, solvents, contaminated soils and everything else regulated as hazardous waste go through the division's main service.
Hazardous & Special WasteWhat happens after you contact us
Tell us what you have
Call, or use the form below. Batteries, bulbs, ballasts, electronics, or a mix. A rough count is enough to start.
We tell you how it ships
A scheduled pickup from your site, or containers we send you, depending on what you have and how much.
We collect and recycle it
Your material is transported to a recycling facility instead of a landfill.
You keep the records
Shipping records for your files, and your service history any time in the Customer Portal.
Common questions
What counts as universal waste?
Under the federal rules: batteries, lamps, mercury-containing equipment such as thermostats, certain pesticides, and aerosol cans. Some states add items, including electronics. Your state's environmental agency publishes its own list.
Is used oil a universal waste?
No. Used oil has its own set of rules and its own service. See Used Oil Pickup.
Do you take universal waste from homes?
We collect from businesses. We don't take drop-offs from the public. For a handful of household batteries or bulbs, check with your city or county for a collection site.
Do you provide the containers?
For fluorescent bulbs, yes: cardboard boxes with prepaid return labels. For batteries, ballasts and electronics, tell us what you have and we'll tell you how it ships.
Is universal waste re-refined with your used oil?
No. Used oil is re-refined into new base oil at our plant in Peachtree City, Ga. Universal waste never enters that stream. It's collected, tracked and recycled separately.
What paperwork do I get?
Shipping records with each collection, and your full service history in the Customer Portal. A Certificate of Recycling is available on request.
Tell us what you need handled
Batteries, bulbs, ballasts, electronics, or a mix. Even a rough count is enough. We'll reply the same business day with what happens next.
- No account or contract required to ask
- A person replies the same business day
- Already a customer? Use the Customer Portal instead
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