Universal Waste

Universal Wastes are a specific category of waste that are regulated differently from traditional hazardous waste. At LSU, we manage various types of universal waste through dedicated recycling programs to ensurer they are handled safely and responsibly. The following are the common types of universal waste generated in LSU workplaces:

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Used Oil Recycling

EHS collects and stores used oil and other petroleum production for recycling. A local recycler converts the used oil into a useful product for sale.

Fluorescent Bulb Recycling

EHS manages used fluorescent lamps as universal waste and sends all lamps and bulbs to a mercury recycler. For guidance on handling fluorescent bulbs, please refer to our Fluorescent Bulb Handling Reference Document.

Battery Recycling 

EHS manages used batteries as universal waste and recycles the following batteries: nickel cadmium (Ni-Cad), nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH), lithium, sealed lead acid, alkaline, and mercury.

Lead Waste Recycling

Used lead acid batteries from other campus operations are shipped to this facility.

These materials can be picked up during regular hazardous waste pickups to ensure safe and efficient disposal. By properly managing these materials, LSU helps reduce the environmental impact and supports sustainability efforts on campus.