Free Universal Waste & Used Oil Label Generator
Make and print universal waste labels for batteries, lamps, mercury-containing equipment, pesticides, and aerosol cans, and “Used Oil” labels for containers and tanks. Federal wording, an accumulation start date for the one-year limit, in English or bilingual English/Spanish. No account required.
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All of these meet the federal rule. Most programs use “Universal Waste”.
Keep lithium batteries separate and tape their terminals.
Leave blank to print a write-in line you fill in when the first item goes in.
Bilingual adds RESIDUO UNIVERSAL — BATERÍAS under the English wording, which stays on the label because it is the required marking.
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⚠ Important — Read before you print
- This tool is provided as a utility only, on an "as is" basis, with no warranty of accuracy, completeness, or fitness for any particular purpose.
- It is not legal, regulatory, or EHS advice. You are solely responsible for verifying that any label you generate is accurate and complete for your specific product and use.
- You must ensure compliance with OSHA HCS 2024 (29 CFR 1910.1200) and any other applicable federal, state, local, or international regulations (e.g. DOT, EPA, GHS Rev.10).
- Always cross-check generated content against the manufacturer's current Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
- Tellus EHS, Inc. and its affiliates are not liable for any damages, injuries, fines, or losses arising from use of this tool or any label generated by it.
See the full Free Tool Terms & Disclaimer.
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Get Started Free — no credit card requiredWhat has to be on a universal waste or used oil label?
Universal waste and used oil have lighter rules than hazardous waste, but each container still needs the exact words the rule prescribes. Here is the federal baseline. Your state can add waste types and requirements.
Universal waste
40 CFR 273.14
Each item, or the container holding the items, must be marked with the words the rule prescribes for that waste: "Universal Waste—Battery(ies)", "Waste Battery(ies)" or "Used Battery(ies)", and the same pattern for lamps, mercury-containing equipment, mercury thermostats and aerosol cans. Pesticides read "Universal Waste—Pesticide(s)" or "Waste—Pesticide(s)".
One-year accumulation limit
40 CFR 273.15
A small quantity handler may keep universal waste for up to one year and must be able to show how long it has been accumulating. Marking the container with the date the first item went in is the simplest way to show it.
Used oil
40 CFR 279.22(c)
Containers and aboveground tanks used to store used oil at a generator site must be labeled or marked clearly with the words "Used Oil". There is no federal date requirement for used oil.
Accepted wording by waste type
| Waste | Any of these words |
|---|---|
| Batteries | Universal Waste—Battery(ies) · Waste Battery(ies) · Used Battery(ies) |
| Lamps | Universal Waste—Lamp(s) · Waste Lamp(s) · Used Lamp(s) |
| Mercury-containing equipment | Universal Waste—Mercury-Containing Equipment · Waste Mercury-Containing Equipment · Used Mercury-Containing Equipment |
| Mercury thermostats | Universal Waste—Mercury Thermostat(s) · Waste Mercury Thermostat(s) · Used Mercury Thermostat(s) |
| Pesticides | Universal Waste—Pesticide(s) · Waste—Pesticide(s) |
| Aerosol cans | Universal Waste—Aerosol Can(s) · Waste Aerosol Can(s) · Used Aerosol Can(s) |
| Used oil | Used Oil |
How to make a universal waste label with this free tool
- 1
Pick the waste
Choose batteries, lamps, mercury-containing equipment, mercury thermostats, pesticides, aerosol cans, a state-designated universal waste, or used oil.
- 2
Pick the wording
For universal waste, choose "Universal Waste — …", "Waste …" or "Used …". All three are accepted federally; most programs use "Universal Waste".
- 3
Add the start date and details
Enter the date the first item went into the container, or leave it blank for a write-in line. Optionally add the battery type, a description, and your site or area.
- 4
Download the print-ready PDF
Pick a size (2″ × 4″ for boxes and buckets, 3.33″ × 4″ for pails and drums, 4″ × 6″ for drums and tanks) and download. Email is optional.
Each label downloads as a one-label PDF sized to the stock you picked. Print at 100% / actual size, not “fit to page”. For oil containers and outdoor storage, print on synthetic or weatherproof label stock.
Frequently asked questions
What has to be on a universal waste label?+
Federally, only the words the rule prescribes for that waste, for example "Universal Waste—Battery(ies)", "Waste Lamp(s)" or "Used Aerosol Can(s)" (40 CFR 273.14). You can mark each item or the container. You also have to be able to show how long the waste has been accumulating, and the start date on the label is the simplest way to do that. Some states require more.
How long can I keep universal waste?+
Up to one year from the date the waste was generated or received (40 CFR 273.15 for small quantity handlers). Longer is allowed only to collect enough for proper recovery, treatment, or disposal, and then you have to be able to prove it. Write the date the first item went into the container on the label.
What does a used oil label need to say?+
The words "Used Oil" on every container and aboveground tank used to store it (40 CFR 279.22(c)). There is no federal date requirement. Some states require more, and California manages used oil as a hazardous waste, so use a hazardous waste label there.
Which wastes count as universal waste?+
Federally: batteries, pesticides (recalled, suspended, or unused), mercury-containing equipment including thermostats, lamps, and aerosol cans (added in 2019). Many states add others, such as electronic devices, paint, or antifreeze. Use the "Other (state-designated)" option for those.
Do I need a universal waste label in Spanish?+
The English words are the required marking, so they stay on the label. The bilingual option adds the Spanish translation underneath (for example RESIDUO UNIVERSAL — BATERÍAS) for workers who read Spanish. ¿Necesita una etiqueta de residuos universales en español? Elija Bilingüe (EN/ES).
Should I mark the battery type?+
It is not required federally, but it helps. Lithium batteries are a fire risk and many recyclers want them separated and their terminals taped, and lead-acid batteries are often managed under 40 CFR 266 Subpart G instead. Pick the type and it prints on the label.
Is this tool free?+
Yes. Make and download as many universal waste and used oil labels as you need with no account, no payment, and no usage limits.