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Recycle or dispose of fluorescent lamps as Universal Wastes as an alternative to dangerous waste designation and disposal. Fluorescent lamps contain mercury as a vapor and in the solid phase. Mercury vapor from broken tubes can contaminate the immediate area and may affect nearby people. Mercury is easily absorbed into the lungs and brain and is difficult to remove.
High intensity discharge lamps (HID) can also be managed as universal waste. Lead is found in the base of the lamps and they also contain mercury. HID lamps are used for outdoor lighting, interior lighting in stores or warehouses, and some specialty uses. They include:
Other types of specialized HID bulbs are used in a wide variety of settings, including photography and medical instrument lighting. Large mercury vapor and metal halide lamps can contain more than 250 mg of mercury.
Neon tubes, used for novelty, lounge and retail store advertising, are not classified as HID lamps. Neon tubes contain much more mercury than ordinary fluorescents. Red colors do not use mercury.
More detailed information about lamps and mercury is available from the Northeast Waste Management Officials Association (NEWMOA) Web site: www.newmoa.org/prevention/mercury/imerc/factsheets/lighting.pdf
Fluorescent lights fixtures use an electronic component called a ballast, which contains a small capacitor. Ballasts manufactured prior to 1978 commonly contain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The PCBs are found in the capacitor oil and in the tar-like "potting compound" that surrounds the capacitor.
Ballasts made after 1978 are usually marked "No PCBs." Ballasts without the "No PCB" label should be recycled by a transporter or recycler with an EPA PCB identification number. Leaking ballasts pose special risks and must be handled very carefully to avoid exposure.
Some ballasts manufactured after 1978 may contain a PCB replacement called DEHP. This chemical is a probable human carcinogen and may designate as a Washington state toxic dangerous waste.
Fluorescent, HID and other types of lamps can be managed either as regular dangerous waste or under the universal waste regulations. The universal waste option offers simplified management requirements over the standard dangerous waste requirements. For example, universal waste lamps can be stored on-site for up to one year before they must be shipped to a recycler.
Dangerous wastes such as lamps are Household Hazardous Wastes when they come from a residence. Household Hazardous Waste is regulated by your local Solid Waste program and the Department of Health.
Refer to Household Hazardous Waste for more information.
Recycle or dispose of fluorescent lamps as Universal Wastes as an alternative to dangerous waste designation and disposal. Fluorescent lamps contain mercury as a vapor and in the solid phase. Mercury vapor from broken tubes can contaminate the immediate area and may affect nearby people. Mercury is easily absorbed into the lungs and brain and is difficult to remove.
High intensity discharge lamps (HID) can also be managed as universal waste. Lead is found in the base of the lamps and they also contain mercury. HID lamps are used for outdoor lighting, interior lighting in stores or warehouses, and some specialty uses. They include:
Other types of specialized HID bulbs are used in a wide variety of settings, including photography and medical instrument lighting. Large mercury vapor and metal halide lamps can contain more than 250 mg of mercury.
Neon tubes, used for novelty, lounge and retail store advertising, are not classified as HID lamps. Neon tubes contain much more mercury than ordinary fluorescents. Red colors do not use mercury.
More detailed information about lamps and mercury is available from the Northeast Waste Management Officials Association (NEWMOA) Web site: www.newmoa.org/prevention/mercury/imerc/factsheets/lighting.pdf
Fluorescent lights fixtures use an electronic component called a ballast, which contains a small capacitor. Ballasts manufactured prior to 1978 commonly contain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The PCBs are found in the capacitor oil and in the tar-like "potting compound" that surrounds the capacitor.
Ballasts made after 1978 are usually marked "No PCBs." Ballasts without the "No PCB" label should be recycled by a transporter or recycler with an EPA PCB identification number. Leaking ballasts pose special risks and must be handled very carefully to avoid exposure.
Some ballasts manufactured after 1978 may contain a PCB replacement called DEHP. This chemical is a probable human carcinogen and may designate as a Washington state toxic dangerous waste.
Fluorescent, HID and other types of lamps can be managed either as regular dangerous waste or under the universal waste regulations. The universal waste option offers simplified management requirements over the standard dangerous waste requirements. For example, universal waste lamps can be stored on-site for up to one year before they must be shipped to a recycler.
Dangerous wastes such as lamps are Household Hazardous Wastes when they come from a residence. Household Hazardous Waste is regulated by your local Solid Waste program and the Department of Health.
Refer to Household Hazardous Waste for more information.