Universal Waste Recycling and Proper Packaging: Batteries, Light Bulbs, and Ink Toners

At Evergreen IT Solutions, we make it simple for businesses to stay compliant and sustainable with a one-vendor solution for both e-waste and universal waste recycling. No need to coordinate with multiple vendors — we handle everything for you while keeping your facility audit-ready and compliant.

Proper packaging is key to keeping your costs low and avoiding additional sorting fees. To help your team stay compliant, here are the best practices for safely storing and preparing common types of universal waste:

1. Batteries

Batteries require special care to prevent leaks and fire hazards.

Dry Cell Batteries (Alkaline, Lithium, NiCad, NiMH):

Collect all dry cell batteries in our sealed, lidded battery buckets, labeled “Universal Waste – Batteries.” We provide buckets and labels to keep your program compliant.

Lithium-Ion Batteries:

Keep lithium-ion batteries separate from other batteries to prevent fire risks. Evergreen provides dedicated bins and labels, plus handling instructions, so your team can store them safely until pickup.

Pro Tip: Never mix lithium-ion batteries with alkaline or other dry cells.

2. Fluorescent Light Tubes & Bulbs

Light tubes and bulbs must be kept intact to avoid hazards and costly cleanups.

Fluorescent Tubes (4 ft. or 8 ft.):

Store tubes in sealed, closed containers — ideally the original packaging. Evergreen provides the labels you need for compliance.

Bulbs (CFLs, compact fluorescent, specialty lamps):

Package bulbs separately from other e-waste in boxes that prevent breakage.

Important: Never place light tubes or bulbs in e-waste bins.

3. Ink & Toner Cartridges

Keep ink and toner separate from e-waste and other universal waste. Place them in their own box for collection.

Our team will weigh, document, and certify your toner waste at pickup, providing Certificates of Recycling for your compliance records.

Why Proper Packaging Matters

• Compliance: Meet state and federal regulations with confidence.

• Safety: Reduce fire, breakage, and exposure hazards.

• Cost Savings: Avoid extra sorting fees by packaging correctly.

• Audit-Ready: Receive complete, verifiable Certificates of Recycling for every material type.

  
  

How Evergreen IT Solutions Helps

We provide everything you need for a smooth, compliant program:

• Collection bins, containers, and labels for all universal waste

• Compliance guides for your staff to follow proper packaging protocols

• Full recycling and certification services for both e-waste and universal waste

• Certificates of Recycling for audit-ready compliance

  
  

Our operations are backed by R2v3 (Responsible Recycling), ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety) certifications — ensuring your recycling program meets the highest industry standards for security, safety, and sustainability.

📅 Schedule your next universal waste pickup and keep your recycling program running smoothly.