Fluorescent Bulb & Ballast Recycling
Fluorescent bulbs are the most commonly types of bulbs generated by
facilities. Typical lengths are 4 and 8 foot, with u-tube
bulbs also in the mix. Lamp waste causes more mercury
contamination of the environment than any other consumer
product and must be handled with respect to the damaging
effects improper disposal causes.
Types of lamps
Fluorescent Shipping
- Package lamps tightly without separators or any other packaging materials.
- Package lamps in OEM boxes or boxes provided by eForce.
- Place partially filled boxes on top of the pallet.
- Mark each container with an accumulation date (lamps must be shipped within one year of that date).
- Keep lamps and boxes dry.
- Empty boxes of all packing materials before refilling.
- Secure boxes by shrink-wrapping directly to the pallet.
- Lamp packages contain all lamps of identical length.
Fluorescent Labeling
- Each lamp container must be labeled, “Used Mercury Lamps for Recycling” or “Universal Waste Mercury Lamps.”
- For your convenience, download labels that fulfill the requirement.
Most fluorescent lighting fixtures contain a ballast, an electronic device inside the fixture that regulates the
flow of electricity to the bulbs. Ballasts come in all shapes,
sizes, types and weights. PCB and DEHP ballasts, also known as
wet ballasts, are considered hazardous waste, non-PCB
ballasts, known as dry ballasts, can be recycled. Typically,
ballast have labeling identifying their type.
Types of ballast
Ballast Shipping
- If ballast cannot be positively identified as non-PCB, it should be considered PCB.
- Intact, non-leaking PCB ballasts must be shipped in a USDOT PG III approved approved poly pail, poly drum or steel drum. with a secured lid (49 CFR Part 178.504) The USDOT maximum drum weight allowance is 882 lbs.
- PCB or NON-PCB ballasts should be separated according to type.
- Leaking PCB ballasts must be double-bagged and placed in a USDOT PG III authorized drum containing at least 3 inches of vermiculite. These ballasts are considered hazardous waste and must be packaged, marked and shipped (manifested) in compliance with applicable TSCA hazardous waste regulations.
Ballast Labeling – Each drum should be labeled as PCB or NON-PCB ballasts. PCB ballasts must be labeled in accordance with EPA regulatory requirements. Improper packaging will result in additional handling charges.