DATA SHEET

Managing Spent Fluorescent and High Intensity Discharge Lamps

Ref. 40 CFR §273.13 – 15

Overview

• Fluorescent and High Intensity Discharge Lamps contain mercury and in most cases are considered hazardous waste if not recycled.

• Do not send Fluorescent or High Intensity Discharge lamps to the Sanitary Landfill (i.e., regular trash).

• Mercury containing lamps destined for recycling are considered to be "Universal Wastes" and do not count towards the facility’s hazardous waste generator status.

Requirements

• Store spent lamps in a closed container, preferably within the pre-labeled recycling container.

• Recycling facilities request that you do not tape lamps together for storage or shipment.

• Containers shall be labeled as "Spent Mercury Containing Lamps for Recycling" or "Universal Waste Mercury Lamps" or "Waste (or Used) Mercury Lamps".

• Broken lamps shall be sealed within a plastic bag and labeled "Broken Spent Mercury Containing Lamps for Recycling".

• Small Quantity Generators (i.e., generate > 220 lbs. of hazardous waste/month) must recycle the accumulated lamps within 1 year after the initial lamp is generated. Please develop a method to clearly demonstrate the length of accumulation time (e.g., date container upon generation of first spent lamp).

• Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators (i.e., generate < 220 lbs. of hazardous waste/month) are exempt from the above 1 year accumulation requirement.

Record Keeping

• Maintain receipts/shipping papers to document proper lamp management and to compile waste minimization reports.

• Receipts/Shipping papers should contain the following information: quantity of lamps shipped; date of shipment; name and address of recycling facility.