Electronic / Universal Waste

In February, 2006, the State of California prohibited the disposing of electronic waste, fluorescent tubes, consumer batteries and mercury thermostats into the trash. Known as "Universal Waste", these wastes are health and environmental hazards if they are improperly disposed of.

Electronic Waste: Computers, computer peripherals, telephones, answering machines, radios, stereo equipment, tape players/recorders, phonographs, VCRs, CD players/recorders, calculators, and microwave ovens.

Mercury Containing Waste: Fluorescent tubes, high-intensity lights, sodium vapor lamps, metal halide lamps, and mercury thermostats and switches.

Consumer Batteries: Including carbon-zinc and alkaline, rechargeable, NiCad, lithium, and mercury button batteries. This includes AA, AAA, C, and D batteries.

For more information on where you can take your Universal Waste to be recycled, contact:

• Humboldt County Environmental Health Department
• HWMA Household Hazardous Waste