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Universal Wastes
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.
 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
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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 Lamp Drop-Off Locations |
- Laptops and printers
- PDAs and cell phones
- Camcorders and digital cameras
- VCRs and DVD players
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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 (PDF, 39
KB). Services are usually drop-off.
Recycle
your old Cell Phones (and Pagers) for Orangutan Conservation at
the Happy Hollow Park Front Castle Entrance any day
from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
- Computer Systems including monitors, keyboards,
disk drives and mice
- TVs with Cathode Ray Tubes
- Flat Screen TVs (LCD)
- Plasma Screen TVs
- Microwave ovens
- Stereos
- Portable DVD players with LCD screens
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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 (PDF, 39
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. |
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