 Universal Waste Management
Summary
 Universal wastes are a specific type of hazardous waste generated by manufacturing industries, commercial properties, hospitals, schools and other waste generators who have chosen to handle these items in accordance with the universal waste regulations. The universal waste regulation was established to reduce regulatory requirements so as to foster environmental sound recycling or disposal of these wastes. In Michigan, the following materials can be handled as a universal waste:
- Antifreeze, meaning a mixture containing ethylene glycol or propylene glycol used as a heat transfer or dehydration fluid.
- Batteries, including spent dry cell and lead-acid batteries.
 Consumer electronics which are devices run by electricity containing circuit boards commonly found in offices, homes, hospitals and schools such as computers, fax machines, telephones, televisions, and printers (CRTs may alternatively be handled as electric lamps).- Electric lamps, including fluorescent, high intensity discharge, sodium vapor, mercury vapor, neon, and incandescent lamps, and cathode ray tubes (CRTs) from computers and televisions.
- Devices containing elemental mercury, including thermostats, switches, thermometers, manometers, barometers, anti-locking braking systems (ABS), gas flow regulators, hydrometers, blood pressure cuffs and various medical devices, etc.
- Pesticides, including certain suspended, canceled, or unused pesticides.
- Pharmaceuticals, including drugs for both human and veterinary use.
It is important to note that if generators do not handle these materials as universal waste, they will need to be managed under the applicable hazardous waste regulations (See Hazardous Waste Management page). There are several reasons why it is beneficial to manage these waste streams as a universal waste. Universal waste volume is not included when determining the facility's hazardous waste generator status, it can be accumulated up to one year, it has less labeling requirements and it does not need a hazardous waste manifest.
 Service Options
arch environmental group can provide all services associated with the proper handling of your universal waste and can conduct some or all of these services:
- Provide proper packaging and labeling supplies
- Provide labor for waste packaging
- Provide transportation and disposal services
Specific "Universal Waste and Hazardous Waste" services can be found on the following arch environmental group web pages. These links are provided for your convenience:
Electronic Waste & Lamp Recycling
Chemical & Lab Pack Services
Mercury Response
Medical Waste Services
Industrial & Hazardous Waste Cleaning
Industrial & Hazardous Waste Trucking
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