Last updated on December 8th, 2025 at 07:24 pm
Regarding hazardous and universal wastes, an estate cleanout involves removing, properly handling, and disposing of potentially dangerous materials from a residential or commercial property, often after death, foreclosure, or downsizing. This process ensures that toxic, regulated, or environmentally harmful substances are managed according to legal and safety standards.
Hazardous and universal wastes risk human health and the environment due to their inherent toxic, ignitable, corrosive, or reactive properties. Universal wastes are considered a less dangerous subcategory of widely produced hazardous wastes that cover batteries, fluorescent lamps, pesticides, aerosol cans, and mercury-containing equipment. These items are subject to streamlined federal regulations to encourage proper disposal and recycling, with reduced storage, labeling, and record keeping requirements compared to other hazardous wastes.
That said, safely managing hazardous and universal wastes during an estate cleanup and cleanout must comply with federal and state regulations. Whether it’s a property manager or family member, a commercial or residential property, proper handling and disposal of hazardous and universal waste is necessary.
Common Types of Hazardous and Universal Wastes in Estate Cleanouts
Expect to find various hazardous and universal wastes during residential and commercial estate cleanouts. Residential properties may contain:
- Household Chemicals – Solvents, pesticides, herbicides
- Automotive Fluids – Oil, antifreeze, transmission and brake fluids, gasoline
- Cleaning Products – Bleach, ammonia, drain cleaners
- Medical Waste – Sharps, expired medications
- DIY Supplies – Lead-based paint, asbestos-containing materials, and wood preservatives
- Electronic Waste (E-Waste) – Outdated TVs, computers, printers, cell phones, and cables
Expect waste from business operations, industrial processes, and facility maintenance for commercial estate cleanouts. This may include:
- Chemical Solvents & Cleaners – Degreasers, industrial solvents, paint thinners, and adhesives
- Automotive & Mechanical Fluids – Motor oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, and transmission fluid
- Flammable & Combustible Materials – Gasoline, diesel, kerosene, propane tanks, and aerosol cans
- Electronic Waste (E-Waste) – Computers, printers, monitors, copiers, telephones, and other office equipment
- Pesticides & Herbicides – Landscaping chemicals, weed killers, and pest control substances
- Medical & Laboratory Waste – Expired medications, sharps (needles, syringes), disinfectants, and lab chemicals
- Construction & Renovation Waste – Lead-based paints, asbestos-containing materials, sealants, and treated wood
- Industrial Byproducts – Heavy metals, hazardous sludges, and contaminated rags or absorbents
Universal wastes are a category of widely generated hazardous wastes, which includes five types of wastes subject to streamlined federal regulations under the EPA. These include:
- Mercury-Containing Devices – Thermometers, thermostats, switches
- Fluorescent Light Bulbs & Lamps – CFLs, fluorescent tubes, high-intensity discharge (HID) bulbs, and LED lighting
- Batteries – Lead-acid, rechargeable lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, alkaline
- Aerosol Cans
- Pesticides – Some outdated or banned pesticides
The Importance of Having An Estate Cleanout Strategy
Managing an estate cleanout is best served by developing a strategy or plan that follows a systematic, step-by-step process to ensure the safe and efficient handling of the materials to dispose of. Doing so can help streamline operations as well as prevent costly mistakes. The process differs slightly between residential and commercial properties but should feature the following similar core steps:
1. Waste Identification and Assessment
Start by thoroughly inspecting and assessing the property to identify hazardous and universal wastes, such as chemicals, paints, pesticides, automotive fluids, e-waste, and batteries. If managing commercial properties, this may include industrial solvents, medical waste, asbestos-containing materials, or large-scale electronic waste. The wastes should be sorted to create an inventory of hazardous items for proper categorization and disposal planning.
2. Regulatory Compliance
As you categorize and develop a disposal plan, adhere to hazardous and universal waste regulations, state and federal, to ensure safe handling and disposal. Hazardous waste is managed cradle-to-grave, a concept that refers to the entire life-cycle of hazardous waste, from its generation to its final disposal, to ensure full accountability and regulatory compliance. For commercial properties, property managers must maintain detailed records (manifests), use certified waste handlers, and follow strict disposal regulations to prevent contamination or legal penalties.
3. Segregation and Safe Storage
Obviously, during the cleanout, hazardous and universal wastes should be separated from each other, but also from general waste and recyclable materials. Use labeled, leak-proof, and fire-resistant containers to prevent spills and contamination. Store waste in designated, ventilated areas until disposal to ensure safety. Hazardous wastes must be segregated for transportation and disposal to prevent chemical reactions, contamination, and safety hazards during handling and transit that could lead to fires, explosions, or toxic gas releases. Segregation also simplifies waste treatment and recycling, reducing disposal costs and environmental impact.
4. Hiring Certified Waste Disposal Services
Partnering with a licensed hazardous and universal waste disposal company, especially for commercial estate cleanouts, will ensure safe, legal, and efficient waste management while reducing liability risks. Specialized waste disposal professionals have the expertise, equipment, and permits to handle, transport, and dispose of hazardous materials to ensure compliance and avoid fines and other consequences. During residential cleanouts, manageable quantities of some hazardous and universal wastes can be brought to local household hazardous waste collection centers or arranged for pickup on designated collection days. However, commercial properties must work with licensed hazardous waste management companies for transport and proper disposal. Universal wastes like batteries, fluorescent bulbs, and aerosol cans should be sent to recycling programs instead of landfills.
Contact the Hazardous Waste Experts at Maine Labpack
Whether a property manager or family member, it’s essential to properly dispose of hazardous and universal wastes to protect the environment, your community, and yourself. Maine Labpack offers environmentally friendly, specialized waste disposal services to ensure the estate’s safe handling, transport, and disposal of hazardous materials. Our team of skilled professionals provides on-site assistance to ensure your estate cleanup and cleanout are secure and compliant. Contact us online or call (207) 767-1933 to learn how we can help with your estate cleanout needs.