Management of Universal Waste
Issued: December 5, 2001
Revised: July 2004
What are Universal Wastes?
Universal wastes are products that are ready for disposal and may contain hazardous components, but are not regulated as hazardous waste. This allows WPI to recycle these products and ensure that the products are handled in an environmentally sound manner. Removing these materials from municipal landfills and incinerators will prevent a potential threat to public health and the environment.
Examples of Universal Waste
Batteries such as nickel-cadmium and sealed lead-acid, which are found in many common items such as mobile phones, portable computers, and emergency backup lighting.
Thermostats that contain as much as 3 grams of liquid mercury and are located in almost all buildings on campus.
Lamps, which typically contain mercury, include fluorescent, high intensity discharge, mercury vapor, high pressure sodium and metal halide.
Video display terminals, such as computer monitors and televisions, contain lead.
The Plant Services Department coordinates the removal and recycling of Universal Waste on the WPI campus. If you have any Universal Waste for disposal, please enter a Plant Services Department work order. If you need assistance with the work order system, call x5500. If you have any other questions, please contact the Environmental & Occupational Safety office at x5216.
It is important to note that this program is intended only for universal waste generated from WPI operations. Individuals should continue to use curbside recycling, household hazardous waste days, or other acceptable methods for the disposal of personal items.