Fluorescent Lamp Disposal Regulations

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

Fluorescent lamp disposal regulations.

Ballasts manufactured through 1979 may contain pcbs. Some states and local jurisdictions have more stringent regulations than u s. Examples of common universal waste electric lamps include but are not limited to fluorescent high intensity discharge neon mercury vapor high pressure sodium and metal halide lamps. State regulations change periodically and it is the user s responsibility to comply with federal state and local regulations.

Polychlorinated biphenyls pcbs were commonly used in the small capacitor within fluorescent light ballasts. The following states prohibit disposing of any mercury containing bulbs of any kind regardless of the bulb age and type. Your area may prohibit disposal and or require recycling. It is not intended to replace interpret or modify the regulations for managing used fluorescent and high intensity discharge hid lamp wastes in illinois.

Fluorescent lamps are specifically identified as universal waste in virginia s hazardous waste management regulations section 273 5. State regulations prohibit disposal of hazardous waste lamps and mce in municipal solid waste landfills. Facts on compact fluorescent lamps proper disposal this fact sheet is for general information only. Fluorescent lamp disposal and recycling in epa region 2 a guide for businesses in nj ny pr and vi april 2007 fluorescent lamps that are not marked as such i e those that have an unfinished aluminum end cap and no green marking are generally considered to be regulated hazardous waste after their useful life.

Fluorescent lamps tube style lamps used as overhead lighting in offices and also available in compact globe shapes for a variety of home and office. Fluorescent bulb disposal regulations procedures. Virtually all components of a fluorescent bulb can be recycled. In some areas it s actually illegal to dispose of fluorescent tubes in the trash so be sure to follow the proper steps in recycling your fluorescent tubes to avoid breaking the law or damaging people s health.

The mercury inside fluorescent tube lights is hazardous so extra care should be taken to ensure that this material doesn t leak. Pcb containing ballasts become a concern if they are leaking or they will be removed and disposed of as hazardous waste. While it is possible to test. Please consult with your local and state authorities for the most up to date requirements for lamp disposal.

Epa does and may require that you recycle cfls and other mercury containing light bulbs.