Fluorescent Lamp Disposal Procedures

An edison base screw in conventional light bulb compact fluorescent lamp.

Fluorescent lamp disposal procedures. Fluorescent lamps come in many shapes and sizes including. Mark the lamp storage area or each container used lamps for recycling or hazardous waste used lamps. Your area may prohibit disposal and or require recycling. Fluorescent bulb disposal regulations procedures.

Managing used fluorescent lamps high intensity discharge lamps and pcb ballasts hazardous waste 4 20 may 2000 page 2 2. Some states and local jurisdictions have more stringent regulations than u s. Characteristic leaching procedure compliant or small quantity exemptions from the liability for future site cleanup if mercury contamination shows up at a disposal facility where your mercury containing lamps have been legally sent. The following states prohibit disposing of any mercury containing bulbs of any kind regardless of the bulb age and type.

Fluorescent lamps are specifically identified as universal waste in virginia s hazardous waste management regulations section 273 5. If you cannot store them on site. It is not intended to replace interpret or modify the regulations for managing used fluorescent and high intensity discharge hid lamp wastes in illinois. Therefore if the lamps are being recycled they are not subject to the more stringent reporting and handling procedures that are necessary when managing hazardous wastes.

Recycling cfls and fluorescent lamps captures the mercury vapor which can be reused in new lamps. For state specific regulations generators i e tanning salons should contact their state or local environmental regulatory agency to obtain current. The lamps in tanning beds contain as much or more mercury than standard fluorescent lamps that are managed under the universal waste rule uwr or full subtitle c hazardous waste regulations. Virtually all components of a fluorescent bulb can be recycled.

Store lamps in an on site waste storage area where they will not break. Getting help regulations and recycling can be a bit confusing but there are places you can turn to for. The drop cloth will help prevent mercury contamination of nearby surfaces and can be bundled with the bulb debris for disposal. You can consider using a drop cloth e g plastic sheet or beach towel when changing a fluorescent light bulb in case a breakage should occur.

Epa does and may require that you recycle cfls and other mercury containing light bulbs. 4 foot 6 foot 8 foot linears. Facts on compact fluorescent lamps proper disposal this fact sheet is for general information only.