Universal Waste Management

"Universal Wastes" are a specific category of hazardous waste streams that can be managed in an alternative manner to the standard and more stringent hazardous waste requirements. The Universal Waste Rules are intended to promote recycling as well as proper disposal by easing certain regulatory requirements.

A waste must be a regulated hazardous waste before it can be considered a universal waste. If a hazardous waste stream is not managed as a universal waste, then the waste must be managed as a hazardous waste under applicable hazardous waste regulations.

Types of universal waste:

• Light bulbs/lamps and ballasts
• Mercury & mercury-containing devices
• Batteries (large and small cell)
• Electronic waste (computers, monitors, printers, etc.)
• Pesticides

Allied has extensive experience in characterizing, packaging, manifesting and managing universal wastes in residential, commercial and industrial settings. 

For more information please visit:

• USEPA Universal Waste Regulations
• Ohio EPA Universal Waste Guidance Document

Mercury Recycling Program

Allied operates an Ohio state-wide mercury recycling program, intended to provide an inexpensive means of collecting and recycling unneeded mercury throughout the state. The goal of the program is to avert the inappropriate management of elemental mercury and mercury-containing devices by offering a safe and proper outlet for recycling.

The Allied Mercury Recycling Program is designed to work in conjunction with county and city Emergency Management Agencies, Departments of Health, Fire Departments, and Local Emergency Planning Committees to arrange for the safe collection, transportation and recycling of elemental mercury.

Materials that can be managed under the Allied Mercury Recycling Program include:

• Elemental mercury in a pure form (liquid mercury stored in temporary containers such as jars, bottles, etc.);
• Sealed Mercury-containing devices including;
  • thermostats
  • switches
  • sphygmomanometers (blood pressure meters)
  • thermometers
  • manometers
  • barometers

For more information about the Allied mercury recycling program or mercury in general, please contact Bob Bourne in our main office at bourneb@allied-environmental.com, or your local county Emergency Management Agency.

If you have a spill or emergency involving mercury, call the Allied 24-hr response hotline: (800) 992-5781.