Universal Waste

New rules for disposal of toxic technology

As
of February 9, 2006, new state hazardous waste rules require special
handling for consumer electronics, batteries, fluorescent bulbs
and mercury-containing products, called Universal Wastes.
It is now against the law to dispose of these items in your garbage
or recycling cart. Your carts will
not be collected if these items are found inside.

Universal Wastes are hazardous
wastes that are generated by a wide variety of people. When they
are crushed in landfills, the lead, mercury, copper and other metals
contained in these items can leach out and pollute groundwater,
streams and wildlife.

Illustration of batteries Most
cities in Santa Clara County contract with the County to operate
collection programs for paints, solvents, batteries and other hazardous
materials commonly found in homes. The County has partnerships with
local stores to take back batteries and fluorescent bulbs.

Most electronic items can be recycled through
the Recycling Hotline at 800-533-8414 or (408) 924-5453. Larger
electronics can also be recycled through the City’s Large
Item Collection program. Also, there are 42 private companies that
collect electronic waste, funded partially by State fees.

Refer to the chart below for recycling options
for each type of Universal Waste.

Visit the Department
of Toxic Substances Control’s website to read the regulation,
get fact sheets, best management practices, and more.

Universal Waste

Recycling Options

Household Batteries
Fluorescent Bulbs & Tubes
Mercury Thermostats & Thermometers

The County’s Household Hazardous
Waste Collection Program takes household hazardous waste items
for FREE. Call (408) 299-7300 for an appointment.
Or find local drop off collection locations:

Free
Battery Drop-Off Locations

Free
Thermometer Drop-Offs

Free
Fluorescent Bulb Drop-Off Locations

Laptops and printers
PDAs and cell phones
Camcorders and digital cameras
VCRs and DVD players

Visit www.recyclestuff.org
or call the Recycling Hotline at 800-533-8414 or (408) 924-5453
to find an electronics recycler. Services are usually drop-off.

Or visit Santa Clara County’s Recycling
Guide for CRTs and Electronics (Excel file, 116 KB). Services
are usually drop-off.

Computer Systems including monitors, keyboards, disk drives
and mice
TVs with Cathode Ray Tubes
Flat Screen TVs (LCD)
Plasma Screen TVs
Microwave ovens
Stereos

Visit www.recyclestuff.org
or call the Recycling Hotline at 800-533-8414 or (408) 924-5453
to find an electronics recycler. Services are usually drop-off.

Or visit Santa Clara County’s Recycling
Guide for CRTs and Electronics (Excel file, 116 KB). Services
are usually drop-off.

Or call Recycle Plus Customer Service at
(408) 535-3515 for a Large Item Collection appointment.
Services are curbside collection.

Updated: 3-4-06