Know Toxics

What are Toxics / Universal Wastes?

'Toxics' refer to universal wastes and other common materials that should be treated as hazardous, such as electronic equipment. Universal wastes are hazardous materials that are commonly produced, and therefore fall under less stringent regulations than hazardous waste (federal Universal Waste Rule).* These materials are hazardous to human health, the environment, and can cause significant property damage if improperly handled. Businesses that produce any amount are subject to penalties and liability for improperly handling hazardous wastes.

Toxics exist at work

Learn more about common items which can be harmful to humans and the environment if thrown in the trash

• As a business owner or property manager, learn what materials require special handling
• Learn what the law requires you to do with used fluorescent bulbs, rechargeable batteries and electronic equipment--you can't just throw them in the trash!
• Get the information you need to develop a strategy so that your business safely manages these materials
• Learn what resources are available to assist business owners

 Do I Need to Specially Handle this Waste?

 Yes.

Universal wastes and electronic equipment are hazardous and pose serious threats to anyone who handles them.

Chemically powerful reactions can take place causing toxic health hazards, ignitions, human injury and property damage, and harm the environment.

How to Dispose of Batteries*

Below is a short training video to find out what to do with various types of commonly used batteries. 

*External link. The Northern Virginia Regional Commission does not author third party sites and their reference is for educational purposes only.