Universal Waste

Universal Waste

Universal Waste

Universal Waste is a form of Hazardous Waste which is generated by nearly every industry. In order to help encourage recycling and proper management of these wastes, the EPA has established a set of more streamlined regulations.

Please read the Rowan University Universal Waste Disposal Guide for Laboratories for information regarding the identification and labelling of Universal Waste.

     Universal Waste Disposal Guide for Laboratories

If you have any questions related to the accumulation, labeling, storage, or disposal of Universal Waste, please contact Laboratory Safety at LabSafety@Rowan.edu or 856-256-5105.

                Click here to submit a waste pickup request.

Universal Waste Labels

Rowan University Universal Waste Label

Waste labels are available in bins outside our waste rooms located on the loading dock of the following buildings:

  • Discovery Hall
  • Engineering Hall
  • Rowan Hall
  • Science Hall
  • SJTP

Waste labels at the Joint Health Sciences Center are located in Room 337.

Universal Waste Categories

Universal Waste only includes the following items:

  • Batteries
  • Lamps
  • Mercury Containing Equipment
  • Aerosol Cans
  • Pesticides
  • Consumer Electronics
  • Oil-Based Finishes

Note: Broken, leaking, or damaged items must be managed and labeled as Hazardous Waste.

Alkaline & Carbon-Zinc Batteries
Alkaline and Carbon-Zinc batteries (ranging from AAA, AA, C, D, to 9-Volt sizes) are not collected by Laboratory Safety. Since the Federal Mercury Containing and Rechargeable Battery Managment Act was adopted in 1996, manufacures of these batteries have been manufacturing them with no added mercury. As a result, modern Alkaline and Carbon-Zinc batteries fall below federal and state hazardous waste standards and can be disposed of with regular trash.