California Universal Waste

Many common household items contain hazardous chemicals or heavy metals that can cause serious environmental damage when discarded in the trash. These items are known as "Universal Waste." As of February 8, 2006, it has been illegal in California to dispose of universal waste in the garbage.

Universal Waste includes: common batteries; fluorescent tubes and bulbs and other mercury-containing lamps;thermostats; electronic devices such as televisions and computer monitors, computers, printers, vcrs, cell phones, telephones, radios, and microwave ovens; electrical switches and relays; pilot light sensors; mercury gauges; mercury added novelties; mercury thermometers; non-empty aerosol cans that contain hazardous materials.

Oro Loma residents can properly dispose of most Universal Waste, including batteries, florescent bulbs, and other items containing mercury, by bringing them to one of Alameda County's three hazardous waste disposal sites:

Oakland: 2100 East 7th St.: Thursday-Saturday 9 AM-1 PM; Wednesday by appointment (800) 606-6606

Hayward: 2091 West Winton Ave.: Thursday-Saturday 9 AM-1 PM; Wednesday by appointment (800) 606-6606

Livermore: 5584 La Ribera St.: Thursday-Saturday 9 AM-1 PM; Wednesday by appointment (800) 606-6606

Electronic devices, computers, TVs, and cell phones are not accepted at the Alameda County Hazardous Waste Disposal sites. TVs, computers, computer monitors, printers, and up to three large appliances will continue to be collected as part of the Oro Loma bulky waste pickup program (see page 3). Aerosol cans that are completely empty can be recycled.

For questions, call (800) 606-6606 or email hhw@acgov.org.