Introduction

2. Introduction Introduction • Universal wastes may release hazardous materials into the environment if incinerated or buried in a landfill • Hazardous materials are not released during normal use • Universal wastes are sent to special facilities where components are removed and recycled

3. Main Menu Identification of a Universal Waste Disposal procedures for Universal Waste Cleaning up a spill from a device considered Universal Waste

4. Identification of a Universal Waste Types of Universal Waste • There are three major categories of universal waste found in the office or laboratory setting: Used electronic devices Batteries Mercury containing bulbs & equipment

5. Used electronic devices Criteria for classification as Universal Waste • An electronic device is considered a universal waste if it contains a: • circuit board, or • cathode ray tube AND • Is used primarily for • data transfer or storage, or • communication or entertainment purposes

6. Used electronic devices Examples of electronics considered Universal Waste • Desk top computers • Laptop computers • Computer peripherals • keyboards and mice • monitors • scanners and printers • Video cassette recorders • Compact disk players • Digital video disk players and recorders • Radios and televisions • MP3 players and camcorders • Telephones and cellular phones

7. Used electronic devices Examples of electronics not considered Universal Waste • Microwaves • Refrigerators • Toasters • Paper shredders

8. Used electronic devices Rational for classification as Universal Waste • Circuit boards may contain small amounts of: • toxic metals such as lead and mercury, and • precious metals such as silver, gold and platinum • Cathode ray tubes may contain lead

9. Batteries Batteries as Universal Waste • Batteries that can release hazardous materials to the atmosphere if incinerated are considered universal wastes • All rechargeable batteries are universal wastes including: • Nickel cadmium • Nickel metal hydride • Lithium ion • Button batteries should also be considered universal waste • The common single use alkaline batteries are not considered universal waste but may be recycled through OEHS

10. Batteries Temporary Storage of Batteries • A battery bucket can be used to collect batteries and small electronic devices considered to be universal wastes. • Buckets are available from the Office of Environmental Health and Safety and are placed in the area generating the waste but never in hallways or outside areas • Dispose of the battery buckets as you would other universal wastes • Ensure that you recycle the contents of the bucket at least 11 months after collection start date located on the side of the bucket

11. Mercury containing bulbs & equipment Universal Waste Containing Mercury • Mercury containing lights and equipment are considered universal wastes • Common equipment that may contain mercury include: • Thermometers • Mercury manometers • Thermostats

12. Mercury containing bulbs & equipment Universal Waste Containing Mercury • All fluorescent tubes and bulbs contain mercury and are considered universal waste • The mercury is released if the lamp is broken but the amount is too small to represent a health risk. However it could lead to environmental contamination at disposal sites • Lamps that contain mercury include: • Fluorescent tubes, U-shapes and compacts • High intensity discharge lamps • UV bulbs found in biological safety cabinets • Regular incandescent bulbs do not contain mercury and are not a universal waste

13. Disposal procedures – Universal Waste How To Dispose of a Universal Waste • Download and complete the universal waste recycling form (link below) • Return the completed form to the Office of Environmental Health and Safety • Print and/or copy the form and place it on the items to be removed (make sure they are easily identifiable) • Keep the items together in a temporary storage location but NOT in hallways, public spaces or loading docks • The Universal waste will be picked up by a contractor within 5-10 working days • Only materials purchased with Yale funds are eligible for pick up

14. Disposal procedures – Universal Waste Erasing Stored Data • The hard drive or other data storage device on electronic equipment must be completely erased prior to disposal • Follow ITS procedures • This is your responsibility and prevents loss of confidential information or other data

15. Spill clean up – Universal Waste Mercury Spills • Some spills of universal wastes must be cleaned up using specialized equipment or techniques. • Mercury spills from broken thermometers and manometers fall into this category • Call OEHS for assistance or the campus police (111) after normal hours (between 5:00 pm and 8:30 am)

16. Summary Remember to: • Before disposing electronic devices, bulbs and batteries check to see if they are a universal waste • Collect universal wastes in areas where they will not be spilled or broken • Complete and submit the universal waste recycling form to OEHS • Place copies of the universal waste form on items to be removed • Immediately report significant mercury spills from mercury containing equipment

17. Exit Exiting Program • Thank you for participating in this training program • Call the OEHS waste request line if you have any questions – 785-3551