--- title: Universal Waste Recycling Near Me, Waste Disposal near me description: Retrofit Environmental disposes of regulated waste items included in the universal waste rule like Lamps, Ballasts, Batteries, Aerosols and Mercury items image: https://retrofitcompanies.com/hubfs/WEBSITE_2025/Featured%20Images/ENV%20Universal%20Waste%20featured%20image.png --- [![The Retrofit Companies](https://retrofitcompanies.com/hubfs/Logos/Retrofit%20Environmental%20logo_grey%20stacked%20text.png)](https://retrofitcompanies.com/environmental?hsLang=en) - ABOUT - [UNIVERSAL WASTE](https://retrofitcompanies.com/environmental-universal-waste) - [BATTERIES](https://retrofitcompanies.com/environmental-battery-recycling) - [ELECTRONICS/E-WASTE](https://retrofitcompanies.com/environmental_electronics-recycling) - [COLLECTION EVENTS](https://retrofitcompanies.com/environmental-events) - [CHEMICALS](https://retrofitcompanies.com/environmental-chemicals) - [BUSINESS CLOSURE](https://retrofitcompanies.com/environmental-business-closure-services) - [TANK CLEANING & MAINTENANCE](https://retrofitcompanies.com/environmental-tank-cleaning) - [LANDFILL ALTERNATIVES](https://retrofitcompanies.com/food-waste_waste-to-energy) - [SOLAR PANELS](https://retrofitcompanies.com/w_env_solar) - [WALK-IN RECYCLING](https://retrofitcompanies.com/retrofit-environmental-walk-in-recycling-services) - [OUR STORY](https://retrofitcompanies.com/about-trc) - [SAFETY](https://retrofitcompanies.com/retrofit-environmental-safety) - [CERTIFICATIONS](https://retrofitcompanies.com/certifications) - [FAQs](https://retrofitcompanies.com/retrofit-environmental-faqs) - [PRIVACY POLICY](https://retrofitcompanies.com/privacy-policy) - NEWS & EVENTS - [ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS](https://retrofitcompanies.com/environmental-news) - [SCHEDULED COLLECTION EVENTS](https://retrofitcompanies.com/scheduled-collection-events) - CAREERS - [WORKING AT TRC](https://retrofitcompanies.com/working-at-trc) - [OPEN POSITIONS](https://retrofitcompanies.com/retrofit-environmental-open-positions) - CONTACT - [CONTACT US](https://retrofitcompanies.com/contact-retrofit-environmental) - [LOCATIONS](https://retrofitcompanies.com/environmental-locations-service-territory) - [SEARCH](https://retrofitcompanies.com/environmental-universal-waste#) This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. SEARCH - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. ![UNIV WASTE HEADER](https://retrofitcompanies.com/hubfs/WEBSITE_2025/Env_Univ%20Waste/UNIV%20WASTE%20HEADER.png) UNIVERSAL WASTE ## WHAT IS UNIVERSAL WASTE? The [U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ](https://www.epa.gov/hw/universal-waste)defines **five categories of common universal waste** under federal regulations ([40 CFR Part 273](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-I/part-273)). These are hazardous wastes that are widely produced and can be managed under streamlined rules to promote safe recycling and disposal: > "Kerry was great. He was super helpful. I neverconnected that I needed UN shipping containers for the lithium battery. He is actually really good educator. Just thought you would want to know this." > > > > Suellen Sack  Safety Coordinator, CSP - MN North College Vermillion > >   ## COMMON UNIVERSAL WASTE ITEMS (FEDERAL) BATTERIES - Includes rechargeable and non-rechargeable types such as lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, and others. - Excludes spent lead-acid batteries managed under separate rules. Pesticides [See Applicability Details](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-I/part-273/subpart-A/section-273.2) LAMPS Universal waste lamps include any hazardous waste bulb or tube portion of an electrical lighting device, including: fluorescent, high intensity discharge (HID), mercury vapor, low and high pressure sodium (LPS and  HPS), metal halide, and neon lamps (‘neon’ lamps also include those containing other noble gases such as argon, krypton, or xenon). [See Applicability Details](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-I/part-273/subpart-A/section-273.5) AEROSOL CANS - Non-refillable containers that dispense substances using compressed gas - Often hazardous due to flammable propellants or toxic content [See Applicability Details](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-I/part-273/subpart-A/section-273.6) MERCURY-CONTAINING EQUIPMENT - Includes thermostats, barometers, and other devices with elemental mercury integral to their function - Excludes items where mercury has been removed or that are not hazardous [See Applicability Details](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-I/part-273/subpart-A/section-273.4) PESTICIDES - Applies to recalled, suspended, or canceled pesticides, or those collected in waste pesticide programs - Mercury-Containing Equipment [See Applicability Details](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-I/part-273/subpart-A/section-273.3) # STATE-SPECIFIC UNIVERSAL WASTE PROGRAM DETAILS ILLINOIS IOWA MINNESOTA NEBRASKA WISCONSIN Illinois has made [**state-specific additions**](https://www.ilga.gov/agencies/JCAR/Sections?PartID=03500733&TitleDescription=TITLE%2035:%20%20ENVIRONMENTAL%20PROTECTION) to the federal universal waste rules under **Title 35 of the Illinois Administrative Code, Part 733**. Here are the key updates and additions: In addition to the federal categories (batteries, pesticides, mercury-containing equipment, lamps, and aerosol cans), **Illinois has added**: #### **1. Paint and Paint-Related Waste (PPRW)** - As of **January 1, 2025**, **Public Act 103-887** allows **post-consumer paint** to be managed as universal waste. - This includes **oil-based paints**, which are now eligible for streamlined handling under universal waste rules. - The Illinois EPA proposed rules to include PPRW in **35 Ill. Adm. Code 733**, and the Pollution Control Board accepted the proposal for public hearing and comment #### **2. Household and Very Small Quantity Generator Waste** - Illinois also includes certain **household hazardous wastes** and wastes from **very small quantity generators (VSQGs)** under its universal waste program In Iowa, universal waste regulations follow the [federal standards](https://www.epa.gov/hw/universal-waste) outlined in [40 CFR Part 273](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-I/part-273), with some state-specific guidance provided by the [Iowa Waste Reduction Center (IWRC) ](https://iwrc.uni.edu/environmental-assistance/regulatory-information/universal-waste)and the [Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR)](https://www.iowadnr.gov/environmental-protection/land-quality/waste-planning-programs/solid-waste/disposal-tips-facts-sheet) ### [**Special Notes on Aerosol Cans**](https://www.iowadnr.gov/media/3370/download?inline) - Can be **recycled as scrap metal**. - Facilities may **puncture cans** if they follow specific safety practices. - Punctured cans must undergo **hazardous waste determination**. - Must be labeled as: - “Universal Waste—Aerosol Can(s)” - “Waste Aerosol Can(s)” - “Used Aerosol Can(s)” Minnesota has added three additional waste types to [its universal waste program](https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/w-hw4-62.pdf): 1. Dental amalgam being recycled 2. Disposable compressed gas cylinders 3. Pretreated dental wastewater These additions are permitted under the authority of the [**Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)**](https://www.anokacountymn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3385/Managing-Universal-Wastes-PDF) and are subject to reduced hazardous waste requirements if managed properly. Minnesota has made several [adjustments to the federal rules](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/7045.1400/): - **Petition Process Not Adopted**: Minnesota does **not adopt** the federal petition process for adding new universal wastes (40 CFR §§273.80–273.81) - **Conditionally Exempt Generators**: Minnesota does **not adopt** 40 CFR §273.8 regarding conditionally exempt small quantity generators **GREEN TIP FLUORESCENT LAMPS** Some fluorescent lamps are designed to pass the hazardous waste test for mercury and are labeled as 'low mercury' or have green-colored metal end caps, known as 'green tips'. These lamps do still contain mercury, and in Minnesota must be recycled and are prohibited from solid waste. Obtain a Hazardous Waste Identification Number (HWID): [http://www.pca.state.mn.us/publications/w-hw1-02.pdf](http://www.pca.state.mn.us/publications/w-hw1-02.pdf) Nebraska follows the federal universal waste rules under **40 CFR Part 273**, but has made **state-specific additions** and clarifications in **Title 128, Chapter 25** of the Nebraska Administrative Code.  The Nebraska standards for Universal Waste Management can be found, [here](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/nebraska/environment-and-energy/title-128/chapter-25) **Resources:** [Universal Waste Regulations](https://dee.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/publications/08-019%20Universal%20Waste%20Regulations%202021.pdf) Official Guidance Document [Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE)](http://dee.ne.gov/) Wisconsin has adopted the federal universal waste rules under **40 CFR Part 273**, but has also made **state-specific additions and modifications** under **Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter NR 673.** The [Wisconsin DNR](https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/) provides many resources to properly handle [Wisconsin Universal Waste](https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Waste/Universal.html): - Handling batteries - Managing lamps - Mercury-containing equipment - Pesticides and aerosol cans [Full Rule Update](https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/register/2025/832A2/register/cr/cr_24_036_rule_text/cr_24_036_rule_text) ### **Key Management Requirements** - **Extended Storage Periods**: Wisconsin allows longer accumulation times than federal rules. - **Reduced Recordkeeping Burden**: Simplified documentation for universal waste handlers. - **Training and Safety**: Businesses and institutions must follow best practices for safe collection, storage, and transport. - **Transporter and Facility Requirements**: Universal waste must be sent to licensed recycling or hazardous waste facilities KANSAS MISSOURI NORTH DAKOTA SOUTH DAKOTA Kansas follows the **federal universal waste rules** under **40 CFR Part 273**, but has made **state-specific modifications** through the **Kansas Administrative Regulations (K.A.R.) § 28-31-273**. ### **State-Specific Modifications** - Kansas **adopts [40 CFR Part 273](https://sos.ks.gov/publications/pubs_kar_Regs.aspx?KAR=28-31-273)** as of **July 1, 2006**, with the following [**exclusions**](https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/kansas/K-A-R-28-31-273): - **All comments and notes** from the federal rule. - **Subpart G** (Petition process to add new universal wastes) is **not adopted** - **Substitution of terms** is made per K.A.R. 28-31-100 through 28-31-100s to align with Kansas-specific terminology **Additional Resources: ** [Kansas Department of Health & Environment](https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/) [Kansas Bureau of Waste Management](https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/168/Waste) Missouri has adopted the **federal universal waste rules** under **40 CFR Part 273**, but with **state-specific modifications and additions** outlined in **Title 10, Division 25, Chapter 16** of the Missouri Code of State Regulations. ### [**State-Specific Additions and Modifications**](https://dnr.mo.gov/document-search/universal-waste-rule-missouri-pub2058/pub2058) - **Effective Date**: Missouri adopted the Universal Waste Rule on **January 31, 1999**. - **Regulatory Reference**: Found in **10 CSR 25-16.273**, which incorporates **40 CFR Part 273** by reference with Missouri-specific changes - **No disposal in landfills**: Disposal of hazardous waste in Missouri sanitary landfills has been **illegal since January 1, 1994**, except for very small amounts - **Treatment Restrictions**: Handlers **must not treat or dilute** universal waste (e.g., crushing mercury lamps) unless they have a **Missouri Resource Recovery Certification** or a **hazardous waste permit** Missouri DNR [Code of State Regulations](https://www.sos.mo.gov/adrules/csr/current/10csr/10csr) North Dakota has adopted the **federal universal waste rules** under **40 CFR Part 273**, with **state-specific implementation** outlined in the **North Dakota Administrative Code (NDAC) Chapter 33.1-24-05**. North Dakota has **not added any additional waste types** beyond those recognized federally. The [**North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (NDDEQ)**](https://deq.nd.gov/) oversees universal waste compliance through its **Division of Waste Management**. The [Hazardous Waste Compliance Guide](https://deq.nd.gov/Publications/WM/HazardousWasteComplianceGuide.pdf) provides detailed instructions for generators and handlers South Dakota has adopted the **federal universal waste rules** under **40 CFR Part 273**, with **state-specific implementation** found in **[Administrative Rules of South Dakota (ARSD) Chapter 74:28:33](https://sdlegislature.gov/rules/administrative/74:28:33).** The rules are enforced by the [**South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR)**](https://danr.sd.gov/) ## ADDITIONAL REGULATORY INFORMATION MERCURY CONTAINING EQUIPMENT (MCE) Mercury-containing equipment (MCE) is regulated as **universal waste** to streamline its collection and recycling. This includes devices like thermostats, barometers, and manometers that contain elemental mercury integral to their function. - [Applicability (§273.4)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-I/part-273/subpart-A/section-273.4) : Regulations apply once the equipment is considered waste—either when discarded or when the handler decides to discard it   - [Exemptions](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-I/part-273/subpart-A/section-273.4) : Equipment not yet waste, not hazardous, or with mercury components removed is not covered under this rule. [**Regulations for Handlers**](https://archive.epa.gov/epawaste/hazard/web/html/mce.html) - [Small Quantity Handlers](https://archive.epa.gov/epawaste/hazard/web/html/mce.html#handlers)  must prevent releases and may remove ampules under strict containment and safety protocols. - [Large Quantity Handlers](https://archive.epa.gov/epawaste/hazard/web/html/mce.html#require)  follow similar but more rigorous standards **Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)** [RCRA governs hazardous waste from generation to disposal](https://www.epa.gov/mercury/environmental-laws-apply-mercury) . Mercury-containing waste is classified as hazardous and must meet EPA treatment and recycling standards. However, household waste is often exempt unless stricter state laws apply [Disposal & Transport Guidelines](https://www.epa.gov/mercury/storing-transporting-and-disposing-mercury) - Mercury must be stored in sealed containers with absorbent material and labeled clearly. - Transport should be secure and ventilated if in a passenger vehicle. - Disposal options include local hazardous waste collection programs or recycling centers LED BULBS Although the bulb portions of most light-emitting diodes (LEDs) lamps are not hazardous and thus not universal waste lamps, the attached circuit boards are regulated [electronic wastes](https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/w-hw4-15.pdf) in Minnesota. Some LED lamps closely resemble fluorescent tubes, but may be labeled as ‘LED’ or have wiring or a string of LEDs visible in the tube portion when brightly backlit.  PROPER CONTAINER (PACKAGING) - Waste must be stored in **closed, structurally sound containers** that are compatible with the type of waste. - Containers must be designed to **prevent leaks, spills, and breakage**. *For example:* - Lamps should be stored in boxes or drums that prevent breakage. - Batteries should be kept in containers that prevent short-circuiting and leakage PROPER LABELING & MARKING Each container must be clearly labeled with: - “Universal Waste – Batteries” - “Universal Waste – Mercury-Containing Equipment” - “Universal Waste – Lamps” - “Universal Waste – Aerosol Cans” - “Universal Waste – Pesticides” The accumulation start date (to track the one-year limit) [![SCHEDULED COLLECTION EVENTS (3)](https://retrofitcompanies.com/hs-fs/hubfs/WEBSITE_2025/BUTTONS/SCHEDULED%20COLLECTION%20EVENTS%20(3).png?width=400&height=167&name=SCHEDULED%20COLLECTION%20EVENTS%20(3).png)](https://retrofitcompanies-22042135.hs-sites-na2.com/environmental-events?hsLang=en) [![CONTACT ENVIRONMENTAL TEAM Bright Dark Green](https://retrofitcompanies.com/hs-fs/hubfs/WEBSITE_2025/BUTTONS/CONTACT%20ENVIRONMENTAL%20TEAM%20Bright%20Dark%20Green.png?width=400&height=167&name=CONTACT%20ENVIRONMENTAL%20TEAM%20Bright%20Dark%20Green.png)](https://retrofitcompanies-22042135.hs-sites-na2.com/contact-retrofit-environmental?hsLang=en) ## RECYCLING OPTIONS THERE ARE MANY OPTIONS AVAILABLE. OUR RECOMMENDATIONS ARE BELOW: ![Jeff G Enviro Truck](https://retrofitcompanies.com/hs-fs/hubfs/WEBSITE_2025/Env_Univ%20Waste/Jeff%20G%20Enviro%20Truck.jpg?width=340&height=255&name=Jeff%20G%20Enviro%20Truck.jpg "Jeff G Enviro Truck") ### LICENSED WASTE HANDLER Retrofit Environmental is a licensed regulated waste transporter, and 10-day transfer facility with a network of downstream vendors that ensure proper and responsible recycling practices. ![20250404_151103264_iOS](https://retrofitcompanies.com/hs-fs/hubfs/WEBSITE_2025/Env_Univ%20Waste/20250404_151103264_iOS.jpg?width=340&height=255&name=20250404_151103264_iOS.jpg "20250404_151103264_iOS") ### COMMUNITY COLLECTION EVENT Many communities offer [events](https://retrofitcompanies.com/environmental-events?hsLang=en) once or twice a year to offer residents a proper outlet for Universal wastes, and other waste, like Electronic waste. The Retrofit Companies, Inc. holds multiple collection events across the Upper Midwest every year. Check our Facebook page or Event Calendar for upcoming events in your county. ![RecyclePak Image](https://retrofitcompanies.com/hs-fs/hubfs/WEBSITE_2025/Env_Univ%20Waste/RecyclePak%20Image.png?width=340&height=255&name=RecyclePak%20Image.png "RecyclePak Image") ### PRE-PAID RECYCLING SERVICES For small quantities, package services like [RecyclePak](https://22042135.hs-sites-na2.com/environmental-pre-paid-containers?hsLang=en), offer an easy solution. You can order right from our website. Contact your service rep to learn more about whether our pre-paid solution is right for your organization. [ABOUT](https://retrofitcompanies.com/about-trc?hsLang=en) [CONTACT](https://retrofitcompanies.com/trc-corporate-contact-us?hsLang=en) [CAREERS](https://retrofitcompanies.com/working-at-trc?hsLang=en) [NEWS](https://retrofitcompanies.com/environmental-news?hsLang=en) Retrofit Environmental is a division of The Retrofit Companies, Inc. and provides regulated waste disposal services to businesses. ![The Retrofit Companies](https://retrofitcompanies.com/hubfs/Logos/Retrofit-Environmental-Logo_white-stacked-text.png) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheRetrofitCo) [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/2340383/) [Twitter](https://twitter.com/theretrofitco) #### CORPORATE: SOUTHERN MN 1010 Hoffman Drive Suite A Owatonna, MN 55060 #### TWIN CITIES METRO 2960 Yorkton Blvd. Little Canada, MN 55117 [recycle@retrofitcompanies.com](mailto:recycle@retrofitcompanies.com) [507-455-2181](tel:+15074552181) ![](https://ws.zoominfo.com/pixel/60da1f2c3a80440015da6fa9)