Fluorescent Lamp Disposal Regulations

State regulations prohibit disposal of hazardous waste lamps and mce in municipal solid waste landfills.

Fluorescent lamp disposal regulations.

Pcb containing ballasts become a concern if they are leaking or they will be removed and disposed of as hazardous waste. Fluorescent bulb disposal regulations procedures. Facts on compact fluorescent lamps proper disposal this fact sheet is for general information only. Ballasts manufactured through 1979 may contain pcbs.

To access a state s laws and regulations click on the state below. Polychlorinated biphenyls pcbs were commonly used in the small capacitor within fluorescent light ballasts. It is not intended to replace interpret or modify the regulations for managing used fluorescent and high intensity discharge hid lamp wastes in illinois. Epa does and may require that you recycle cfls and other mercury containing light bulbs.

An edison base screw in conventional light bulb compact fluorescent lamp. Your area may prohibit disposal and or require recycling. 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. State regulations change periodically and it is the user s responsibility to comply with federal state and local regulations.

The following states prohibit disposing of any mercury containing bulbs of any kind regardless of the bulb age and type. Virtually all components of a fluorescent bulb can be recycled. Some states and local jurisdictions have more stringent regulations than u s. Please consult with your local and state authorities for the most up to date requirements for lamp disposal.

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. A lamp is specifically designed to produce radiant energy most often in the ultraviolet visible and infra red regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. 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. The mercury inside fluorescent tube lights is hazardous so extra care should be taken to ensure that this material doesn t leak.

Fluorescent lamps are specifically identified as universal waste in virginia s hazardous waste management regulations section 273 5.