Universal wastes are hazardous wastes that are common to all businesses and households and pose a lower risk to people and the environment than other hazardous wastes. Federal and State regulations allow universal wastes to be handled and disposed with less stringent standards than other hazardous wastes. Many universal wastes are recyclable! Universal wastes do NOT have to be managed as hazardous waste, which greatly reduces the cost of proper disposal.

• Generators are NOT required to use a Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest when shipping universal wastes. However, you should have and retain a receipt showing proper shipment and/or disposal of your universal waste.

• Universal waste does NOT require the use of a Certified Hazardous Waste Transporter for transport or disposal. You may self-haul your universal waste to a recycler, use a mail-back program or a recycler of your choice may pick up universal waste on a bill-of-lading or receipt.

Please refer to the resources below for additional information:

• Disposal options for Orange County Businesses
• Disposal options for Orange County Households

FAQs

• What are some common universal wastes?

• What are the specific handling and disposal rules for businesses that generate universal waste?

• Glossary of Terms

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