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State Regulation- What are Universal Wastes?

EPA Regulatory Information

TerraCycle Regulated Waste provides the information in this section in order to familiarize TCRWUSA.com users with the regulations governing lamp disposal, and to identify for TCRWUSA.com users the government agency that may regulate their operations. TCRWUSA.com users may use this information as a starting point to determine how their facilities are regulated. Customers are cautioned against relying solely on the information contained below and should contact their state environmental protection agency for more information to determine how lamps are regulated in the states in which they operate.

What are Universal Wastes?

Universal wastes are specific hazardous waste streams that facilities can choose to manage in an alternative manner in place of the more complex hazardous waste requirements. These wastes are typically generated by many facilities and are often not properly managed under hazardous waste regulations.

Universal Wastes include:

Lamps – Including fluorescent, high intensity discharge (HID), sodium vapor, mercury vapor, neon, and incandescent lamps Batteries – Including spent dry cell and lead-acid batteries Pesticides – Including certain suspended, canceled, or unused pesticides Devices containing elemental mercury – Including thermostats, switches, thermometers, manometers, barometers, and various medical devices

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State Compliance

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"No more challenges with fluorescent bulb and mercury recycling. We use the EasyPak recycling program and it is very simple and convenient for us."

Jim Slager, Homer School District 33-C

"It’s easy to work with TerraCycle Regulated Waste. Their personnel are very friendly and knowledgeable about their products and the availability of them."

Alice Johnson, Eastern Ship Building

"I am very satisfied with all the services TCRW performs. They do what they say they are going to do, and they are here when they are scheduled to be here, and their paperwork is easy. Their representative is very helpful and informative about all phases of service."

Hector Rodriguez, Mission CISD

"Excellent value for the money. The Bulb Eater® has immediately helped us reduce lamp storage and create a safer storage environment, while allowing us to add another item to our waste reduction efforts in the City of Auburn."

André Richardson Environmental Services, Auburn, AL