The final Universal Waste Rule took effect for households on February 9, 2006.

Universal wastes are hazardous wastes that are generated by a wide variety of people. Examples include batteries, fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescents, non-empty aerosol cans, electronic devices and mercury thermostats. Universal waste rules allow common, low-hazard wastes to be managed under less stringent requirements than other hazardous wastes. In general, universal waste may not be discarded in solid waste landfills.

The Universal Waste Rule has been implemented to encourage and facilitate proper recycling of all universal wastes, not only because of their hazardous properties, but also from the standpoint of recovering valuable resources.

Link to the California Integrated Waste Management Board Universal Waste Page.

Business Resources for Recycling

Businesses or organizations that generate more than 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of hazardous and universal waste were previously required to recycle or dispose of them these wastes as hazardous waste. No Manifest or E.P.A numbers are required if a company decides to now recycle their universal waste. This option will greatly decrease administrative, shipping and disposal costs that are normally associated with hazardous waste regulations.

Businesses that generate universal waste can use these resources to recycle it:
list of mercury lamp recyclers
list of battery recyclers
list of Hazardous Waste Haulers

Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Universal Waste Generators

Businesses that generate less than 220 lbs (or 27 gal) per month within San Mateo County may be able to utilize the County Environmental Health VSQG program for a nominal fee. Businesses using this program are required to call (650) 363-4957 and make an appointment prior to drop off.

Public Resources for Recycling

Batteries
Atherton
· Town Hall 91 Ashfield Rd
· Permit Center 83 Station Lane
Brisbane
· Brisbane City Hall 50 Park Place, 415-508-2130
Burlingame
· Burlingame City Hall 501 Primrose Rd., 558-7200
Daly City
· City Hall Main Lobby 333 90th Street
· Serramonte Library 40 Wembley Drive
· Westlake Library 275 Southgate Avenue
· Bayshore Community Center and Library Third Floor 460 Martin Street
· Allied Waste 1680 Edgeworth Ave. 756-1130
East Palo Alto
· Auto Zone, 2160 University Ave. 321-7221
· IKEA, 1700 Bayshore Rd. 323-4532
Foster City
· City Hall Lobby, 610 Foster City Blvd. 286-3280
Half Moon Bay
· Ocean Shore Hardware, 111 Main St. 726-5505
Menlo Park
· Belle Haven Child Development Center 410 Ivy Drive 330-2270
· Menlo Park Library 801 Alma St. 330-2500
· Onetta Harris Community Center 100 Terminal Ave. 330-2250
Millbrae
· Millbrae Library 1 Library Ave. 697-7607
Pacifica
· Coastside Scavenger 1046 Palmetto Ave. 355-9000
Redwood City
· County Government Center 455 County Center, 1st Floor 363-4957
San Bruno
· San Bruno Garbage Company 101 Tanforan Ave 583-8536
San Carlos
· Allied Waste Recyclery 333 Shoreway Rd 637-1411
· San Carlos City Hall 600 Elm St. 743-2974
San Mateo
· San Mateo City Hall 330 W. 20th Ave. 522-7346
South San Francisco
· Blueline Transfer 500 E. Jamie Ct 589-5511
Woodside
· Skylonda Fire Station 17290 Skyline Blvd 851-1860

For a list of locations to recycle rechargeable batteries input your zip code in this link. Rechargeable batteries include all ni-cad, lithium ion, nickel metal hydride, cell phone, and small appliance batteries.

Residents can always dispose of batteries by making an appointment for a household hazardous waste event.

Fluorescent Lamps
East Palo Alto
· IKEA 1700 East Bayshore Road 323-6500
Half Moon Bay
· Ocean Shore Hardware 111 Main St. 726-5505
Pacifica
· Coastside Scavenger 1046 Palmetto Ave. 355-9000
San Bruno
· San Bruno Garbage Company 101 Tanforan Ave 583-8536
San Carlos
· Allied Waste Recyclery 333 Shoreway Rd 637-1411
South San Francisco
· Blueline Transfer 500 E. Jamie Ct 589-5511

Residents can always dispose of their fluorescent lamps by making an appointment for a household hazardous waste event.

Non-empty Aerosol Cans
Residents can always dispose of non-empty aerosol cans by making an appointment for a household hazardous waste event.

Mercury Thermostats
Residents can always dispose of mercury thermostats by making an appointment for a household hazardous waste event.

Electronics
link to RecycleWorks for recycling information.