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Managing Universal Waste

Streamlined universal waste regulations promote environmentally sound collection practices and increase the proper recycling or treatment of such wastes. Universal waste includes: batteries, some pesticides, mercury-containing thermostats, paint and paint-related waste, aerosol cans, and lamps (bulbs).

The universal waste regulations were created for certain hazardous wastes that are widely generated. These regulations make it easier to collect this type of waste and they encourage the proper recycling or treatment of these wastes that might otherwise go into landfills.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality follows the Environmental Protection Agencies' requirements for each waste type. See the EPA Web pages for definitions and regulations for:

The TCEQ offers additional regulations for:

Though the EPA includes some limited requirements in the universal waste rule, generators, recyclers, or treatment, storage, and disposal facilities aren't specifically bound to use these rules.

For more information, see The Standards for Universal Waste Management 30 TAC 335 (H ))