PLEASE NOTE: These bulletins, published since 1997, are historical. The content is not updated.
Fluorescent lamps are one of the most energy efficient lighting sources available. They use one-quarter of the energy used by incandescent lamps for the same amount of light and last as much as ten times longer. However, they contain mercury, which is highly toxic to the human nervous system. It also is persistent and can bioaccumulate in fish and birds when it is released to the environment. When fluorescent lamps are recycled, the component parts can be separated and any hazardous materials can be managed properly to avoid any environmental contamination.
Today's bulletin focuses on the new rules and recycling of fluorescent lamps.
New Fluorescent Tube Recycling Rules
Nationally, about 600 million lamps are disposed of annually, most to solid waste disposal facilities, including landfills and solid waste incinerators.
Since last year, new rules from the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE), and local government (including King County) affect how businesses dispose of used fluorescent lamps. Fluorescent lamps are now considered a "Universal Waste" and businesses are required to recycle or dispose of them properly through a licensed hazardous waste disposal company, not at the landfill. Please follow this link to see the Washington Administrative Code (WAC).
EPA states that "u
niversal wastes are usually items commonly thrown into the trash by households and small businesses (such as batteries, thermostats, fluorescent lamps and obsolete agricultural pesticides). Although handlers of universal wastes must meet less stringent standards for storing, transporting, and collecting wastes, the wastes must comply with full hazardous waste requirements for final recycling, treatment, or disposal. This management structure removes these wastes from municipal landfills and incinerators, which provides stronger safeguards for public health and the environment."King County's
Waste Acceptance Rules (PUT 7.1.4) were updated in December to reflect changes made at the federal and state levels:6.16 Fluorescent lights and ballasts are accepted under the following conditions:
Fluorescent lights and other Universal Waste Lamps are not accepted from commercial customers. Call (206) 296-4466 for information on lamp recycling. Recycling is recommended for all commercial and residential lamps containing mercury, including low-mercury lamps that pass the federal TCLP standard. Low-mercury lamps may be accepted at KCSWD facilities when accompanied by a Waste Clearance Decision.
Fluorescent light ballasts that indicate "contains no PCB’s" may be disposed at KCSWD facilities. Ballasts without this information must be tested for the presence of PCB’s, and are accepted only with a Waste Clearance Decision.
**Please note that rules in your area may differ, please check your local jurisdiction for more information
Recycling spent mercury-containing lamps offers an environmentally sound alternative to expensive hazardous waste disposal.
When spent lamps are collected by a recycler, they separate the tubes into their component materials--glass, metal, phosphor powder and mercury--so that these materials can be recycled or reused. For a more detailed explanation of fluorescent tube recycling, please see the State of Massachusetts Fluorescent Lamp and Ballasts Recycling contract.
To see a list of recyclers, please follow this link.
New low mercury lamps are on the market and available for purchase. To find out more, follow the manufacturer's website links below. Purchasing low mercury lamps may change the waste designation of your fluorescent tubes. If you believe this to be the case, please contact your local waste authority (in King County call the Waste Characterization Program at (206) 296-4633).
Manufacturer web sites:
- Philips Lighting (Alto brand)
- Osram
- GE lighting
King County:
State of Washington:
- Department of Ecology
- Universal Waste Rule for Dangerous Waste Lamps WAC 173-303-573
Federal:
- Federal Register: Vol. 64, No. 128 / Tuesday, July 6, 1999 / Rules and Regulations
- Hazardous Waste Management System; Modification of the Hazardous Waste Program; Hazardous Waste Lamps; Final Rule
Environmental Fact Sheet-Some Used Lamps Are Universal Wastes
Publication:
- "Fluorescent Lamps and the Environment"
- Mercury Use
- Environmental Benefits
- Disposal Requirements
- written by: The lamp section of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association
Please follow this link to see a list of recyclers
Currently, King County and the City of Seattle have contracts with Ecolights Northwest (Seattle, WA) and Salesco (Phoenix, AZ) to recycle their lamp waste. If you want to know more about these contracts, please call Karen Hamilton at (206)263-4279.
Environmental Purchasing Program
The King County Environmental Purchasing Program assists County agencies in implementation of King County Executive Policy CON-7-1-2, which requires agencies to use recycled and other environmentally preferable products wherever practicable.
The program assembles information about these products and makes it available to specific agency users who can evaluate them and develop applications in County projects.
These environmental purchasing bulletins contain information about the results of product evaluations and other accomplishments of County agencies. We hope this information will help you find ways to use recycled materials in the work of your agency and that you will contact us if we can help you with further information or if you have suggestions.
Environmental Purchasing Program King County Procurement Services Division
Published: February 21, 2001
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Bulletin List
Updated: February 21, 2001
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