The UWR is designed to reduce the amount of hazardous waste items in the municipal solid waste stream, encourage the recycling and proper disposal of some common hazardous wastes, and reduce the regulatory burden on businesses that generate these wastes. Although handlers of universal waste must meet less stringent standards for storing, transporting, and collecting waste, the waste must comply with full hazardous waste requirements for final recycling, treatment, or disposal.

The UWR implements rules and guidelines for the collection of certain hazardous waste streams in the following categories: Lamps, Batteries, Ballasts, and Mercury Containing Devices.