# Universal waste: what it means

> A federal category at 40 CFR Part 273 covering batteries, pesticides, mercury-containing equipment, lamps and aerosol cans, handled outside normal trash.

Source: https://dumptergod.shop/glossary/universal-waste/
Last reviewed: 2026-08-17

# Universal waste

Definition
A federal category at 40 CFR Part 273 covering batteries, pesticides, mercury-containing equipment, lamps and aerosol cans, handled outside normal trash.

## What else to know about universal waste

This is the federal basis for why fluorescent tubes and car batteries cannot go in a container anywhere in the country, regardless of state rules.

## Related terms
- Household hazardous waste — Leftover household products that are corrosive, toxic, flammable or reactive — paint, solvents, pesticides, fuel, pool chemicals. Never container material.

## Related questions
- The full glossary
- Costs
- Sizes
- What can go in

## Sources
- Primary source Universal Waste — 40 CFR Part 273 — US Environmental Protection Agency · last reviewed 2026-08-17

Reviewed by [R. Tiwari](https://dumptergod.shop/authors/r-tiwari/) Last reviewed: 2026-08-17