Safe Handling At City Facilities *
Q. Why can’t I throw old batteries or
fluorescent lamps in the trash anymore?
A. As of February 9, 2006, California laws prohibit
the disposal of batteries and fluorescent lamps in the trash. These
items, called universal wastes, contain toxic chemicals which,
if put in the trash, may harm people or the environment.
Q. What are universal wastes?
A. Universal wastes are hazardous wastes that
are more common and pose a lower risk than other types of hazardous
wastes. Besides batteries and fluorescent lamps, they include thermostats,
electronic devices, electrical switches and relays, pilot light
sensors, mercury gauges, mercury added novelties, mercury thermometers
and non-empty aerosol cans that contain hazardous materials.
Q. What kinds of batteries can’t be
thrown in the trash anymore?
A. The law applies to all battery types, including
alkaline, carbon zinc, nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride, mercury
oxide, and silver oxide. All sizes will be regulated as well, including
lantern batteries; 9-volt; AAA, AA, C and D-cells; and the button
batteries in toys and hearing aids.
Q. What should I do with my dead batteries?
A. Place dead batteries in containers for battery
recycling labeled with the date and the contents. They may be placed
in break rooms beside other recycling containers, but the location
of the containers will be at the discretion of each facility manager. Special
containers will be distributed to each facility.
Q. I have a small desk lamp in my cube. What
do I do with the bulb when it burns out?
A. That depends upon the type of bulb. All fluorescent
lamps, tubes and compact fluorescent bulbs are banned from the
trash. Only incandescent, screw-in type light bulbs are excluded.
Q. What should I do with my burnt out light
bulbs?
A. Save them in the boxes they came in to prevent
them from breaking until they can be moved to a central collection
point.
Q. What if I don’t have any empty
boxes?
A. Place the bulbs where they will not get broken
and contact your facility manager for further instructions.
Q. What happens to the old batteries
and fluorescents now that they can’t be thrown in the trash?
A. Most facilities will have a large drum for
temporary storage of batteries and fluorescents. The City has contracted
with an outside company, AERC, Inc., to collect the contents of
the drums and transport these and other universal wastes to an
authorized recycling facility.
* The answers to these questions are intended to give general guidance
to City staff in office locations. Some facilities will have more stringent
requirements, or different procedures for handling universal wastes. For
specific requirements, please contact your Facilities Manager. |
