Disposing properly of universal waste (which includes electronic waste) helps protect ecosystems and advances Yale’s waste diversion goals. Universal waste generated at the university is handled by Yale Environmental Health & Safety (EHS).
Request a pick-up of universal waste items.
Universal waste
- CD, DVD, and MP3 players
- Computers
- Fluorescent bulbs (long and compact)
- Lead acid, lithium, rechargeable, and button batteries
- Monitors, keyboards, mice, scanners, and printers
- Radios and televisions
- Telephones and cell phones
- VCRs and camcorders
The following items are not considered universal waste and will not be picked up by EHS for recycling:
- Coffee makers
- Microwaves
- Overhead projectors
- Paper shredders
- Refrigerators
- Space heaters
- Toasters
For more information about the EHS universal waste training program and how to identify universal waste, visit their website.
Printer waste
Recycle all printer cartridges through Yale’s office supply vendor, W. B. Mason. To schedule a pick-up for your cartridges, call W. B. Mason at 888-926-2766 (ext. 5001) or hand off your used printer and toner cartridges during your next scheduled W.B. Mason delivery.
Recyclable printer waste includes cartridges for:
- Copiers
- Fax machines
- Inkjet printers
- Laser printers
The following items cannot be recycled:
- Toner
- Toner containers
Batteries
Alkaline batteries are not considered universal waste and can either go in the general trash or be collected for removal through EHS.
All other batteries such as lead acid, lithium, rechargeable, and button batteries are universal waste and cannot be discarded in the general trash.
These batteries must either have their ends taped with electrical tape or each battery must be placed in an individual plastic bag. Only then can a request for pickup be submitted via the EHS integrator.
Call EHS at 203-432-6545 or email waste.requests@yale.edu with questions.