It is unlawful for any person to place “universal wastes” in the trash. Universal wastes include common batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, mercury thermostats, electronic devices (TVs, Cell phones, VCRs). These materials are considered hazardous waste like used motor oil and paint and must be disposed of at a household hazardous waste facility. When this law originally passed in 2001, households and some small businesses were granted an exemption in order to allow the hazardous waste collection and recycling infrastructure to develop. This exemption has now expired.