Batteries, Lamps, Electronic Waste Disposal

Battery Recycling

Battery Collection Bucket

Many types of batteries are regulated as Universal Waste (a form of hazardous waste) and must be sent to HSRM for recycle. The most common batteries collected for recycle, which include: 

  • Lithium and Lithium Ion
  • Nickel-Cadmium
  • Nickel Metal Hydride
  • Lead-Acid
  • Mercury Oxide
  • Silver Oxide
  • Alkaline and Zinc Carbon

Battery collection buckets can be found throughout most campus buildings. If you would like a battery collection bucket, contact DEHS at (612) 626-1604 or [email protected]. 

Lamp Disposal

universal waste lamp box for recycling

Fluorescent, high intensity discharge (HID), and UV germicidal lamps must be collected intact (please do not intentionally break lamps) for recycle. The original shipping container is the preferred collection package for spent lamps. HSRM also has boxes available for packaging standard 4 foot and 8 foot length fluorescent lamps. Properly mark the box with the words "Universal Waste – Lamps for Recycle". Once the box is full, packaged, and sealed, you should arrange for collection by contacting the Facilities Management zone office for your area. If you generate a large number of lamps or are located at an off-campus location, call DEHS at (612) 626-1604 or [email protected] to arrange for collection.

Electronic Waste Disposal

All electronic waste (e-waste) generated at the University of Minnesota must be collected for recycle. E-waste can include items such as: 

  • Computers
  • Computer monitors and televisions
  • Keyboards, mice, speakers, etc.
  • Printers, scanners, copy and fax machines
  • Laboratory equipment
  • Any equipment containing a circuit board

The University of Minnesota Office Of Information Technology (OIT) has procedures in place to dispose of e-waste, which can be found on OIT's Computer Device Recycling and Donation page.

If you have questions please contact DEHS at 612-626-1604 or [email protected].