Waste_Content Page_Management of universal waste in Wisconsin

Management of universal waste in Wisconsin

To encourage and facilitate recycling, Wisconsin's universal waste regulations reduce the burden of hazardous waste management standards for recordkeeping and by allowing longer storage periods for these wastes. Universal waste regulations govern the collection and management of these commonly generated wastes.

Materials classified as universal waste

Materials classified as universal waste in Wisconsin includes:

  • hazardous waste batteries, such as lithium, nickel-cadmium, silver oxide and lead-acid;
  • hazardous waste pesticides that are either recalled or collected in waste pesticide collection programs;
  • thermometers and mercury-containing equipment; and
  • hazardous waste lamps, such as fluorescent bulbs.

Wisconsin's universal waste rules affect businesses and institutions generating or storing universal wastes, transporters and destination facilities (recycling facilities or hazardous waste management facilities).

More details on specific waste types can be found here:

Collect, store and transport universal waste to ensure safety

The handouts and video below outline best management practices for collection sites accepting universal waste, or businesses and institutions collecting their own universal waste onsite.