Long Beach Recycles

Universal Waste

What is Universal Waste?

Universal waste refers to items containing mercury such as batteries, light bulbs, and electronic devices.  These items may not be placed in your trash or recycling carts/bins. 

Why is it important to dispose of Universal Waste properly?

Please properly dispose of universal waste so that toxic chemicals don’t end up in places where they can harm humans, wildlife, or the environment. 

Batteries

Batteries should not go into your trash as they can leak toxic chemicals when landfilled.  It’s better to recycle them responsibly at a drop-off site or household hazardous waste collection event.  

The following household batteries are accepted at the locations listed in the table below: 

• Single-Use Batteries
  • Alkaline AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt
  • Alkaline/Zinc-Carbon
  • Nickel Zinc
  • Mercury (used in hearing aids and watches)
  • Silver Oxide (used in hearing aids)
• Rechargeable Batteries:
  • Nickel Cadmium (NiCad)
  • Nickel Metal Hydride (used in cell phones)

The following household batteries are NOT accepted at the locations listed in the table above. Please drop off these batteries at a household hazardous waste (HHW) collection event: 

Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Fluorescent light bulbs need to be handled with caution and disposed of responsibly. They contain a small amount of mercury in them and can pose a threat to human health if broken. Unbroken bulbs should be recycled at one of the locations below.  

CAUTION: If you should break a fluorescent bulb of any kind, evacuate the general area and follow the Environmental Protection Agency’s guide for cleaning it up.  

Expired, unbroken fluorescent light bulbs can be recycled at the following retail locations:

• Home Depot accepts compact fluorescent bulbs, but not long fluorescent bulbs.
• Lowe's accepts compact fluorescent bulbs at all Long Beach stores and long fluorescent bulbs at the Bellflower Blvd. store only.