Universal Waste: Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there requirements for universal waste?
Because of heavy metals such as lead, barium, mercury and cadmium in certain products, these products can no longer be disposed in regular trash and buried. Products with these types of heavy metals may be classified as universal waste and can no longer be buried in a landfill. Universal wastes such as computer monitors and televisions including plasma and LCD screens have been banned from burial at landfills since April 2001.
When does a product become a universal waste?
A used electronic device or battery becomes waste on the date it is discarded (e.g. when stored prior to being sent for recycling).
Will other materials be added to the universal waste list?
Yes, we expect to add more products to the list of universal waste and will update the list periodically.
What is recommended for storing and hauling universal waste?
We recommend that universal waste be stored in a container until the waste can be brought to a collection location. We recommend that fluorescent tubes be taped together at the ends and wrapped with a towel to prevent breakage. The waste should be carried in the trunk of the car.
Where can universal waste be recycled/disposed?
Universal waste may be disposed at the following Household Hazardous Waste Collection sites:
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Site at the Highway 59 Landfill
6040 N. Highway 59, Merced
Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Site at the Billy Wright Landfill
17173 S. Billy Wright Road, Los Banos
Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
There is no charge to residents, or to businesses in small amounts, for recycling at these sites because the recycling costs are included in the monthly garbage collection fees.
In addition, the following locations will also accept household generated e-waste:
One-day mobile events will be scheduled throughout the county for the collection of universal waste.
In addition, the following companies may be contacted to mail certain types of universal waste for recycling (most services provide containers and prepaid shipping):
Big Green Box, (714) 879-2067 or www.biggreenbox.com
Batteries, cell phones, pagers, PDAs, MP3s, chargers, portable tools, laptops and other devices designed to
operate on battery power. UPS pickup of pre-paid container not exceeding 43 pounds.
Bethlehem Lamp Recycling, (610) 838-7034 or www.bethlehemlamprecycling.com
AERC, (408) 390-1582 or www.aercrecycling.com
ONYX, (408) 421-1303 or www.onyxes.com
Pacific Recycling Services Inc., (800) 884-8982 or www.recyclights.com
Lighting Resources Inc., (800) 572-9253 or www.lightingresourcesinc.com
JSeto Support Services LLC, (805) 644-1214 or www.universalwastecompliance.com
These companies provide universal waste recycling services. Additional companies may also provide these services. Merced County does not endorse any particular company.
What happens to the universal waste after collection?
The waste is removed by the county contractor from our collection sites and transported by a licensed hauler to a certified recycler.
What is the cost of recycling universal waste?
The cost of recycling electronic devices is approximately 20 cents per pound. The cost of recycling fluorescent tubes is 16 cents a linear foot. Note: These costs may change, as the recycling market is very flexible at this time. There is no county cost for recycling computer monitors and televisions, because the consumer pays between $6-10 per set when purchasing. This money goes into a statewide recycling account. There is no recycling cost for CPUs. These costs do not include county staff and operational costs.
How do businesses recycle universal waste?
If your business generates universal waste, you would be classified as a Small Quantity Handler of Universal Waste (SQHUW). You can bring the universal waste to the HHW site. A fee for recycling may be charged. Businesses may bring universal waste to our permanent household hazardous waste collection sites by appointment by calling 723-4753.
Because this is a new program with unknown amounts of universal waste for recycling, we expect to make changes to the program as we gain experience in handling universal waste.
How can a business be approved as a universal waste handler for offsite collection and be included on the list of collection locations?
A "Notice of Intent to Handle Universal Waste Electronic Devices (UWED's) and/or Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Materials" must be completed. Contact Vickie Hayer at the Division of Environmental Health at 381-1083 or vhayer@co.merced.ca.us for information.
How much electronic waste is generated in the county?
Nationally, it is estimated that approximately 2 to 5 percent of the waste stream into landfills is classified as electronic waste (e-waste). This equals approximately 6 to 15 tons per year in Merced County.
If I want additional information, whom do I contact?
If you have any questions, please contact the Division of Environmental Health at (209) 381-1083 or (209) 723-4753 or jpalsgaard@co.merced.ca.us.
Additional information on universal waste may be obtained from the following sources:
