The Energy Fitness Program has to
date recycled ten’s of thousands of 4ft & 8ft fluorescent
tubes and ballasts all through a registered
and licensed recycling company. We understand the importance
of proper disposal and the dangers to our environment.
WHY RECYCLE FLUORESCENT LAMPS?
Fluorescent tubes and high intensity discharge lamps contain mercury,
which is toxic. When broken, compacted, or disposed of in the wrong
place, lamps may release mercury into the air, water, or soil. This
poses a threat to human health and the environment. Crushing tubes
creates mercury vapor which is also difficult to contain. Lead is
also a concern for many lamp models. The best option is to send lamps to a qualified
recycler that separates the glass, mercury and metal.
SHOULD FLUORESCENT LAMPS STILL BE USED?
Yes! Fluorescent tubes use one-quarter of the energy of incandescent
lamps and last as much as ten times longer than incandescent lamps.
Energy conservation also reduces mercury emissions from fossil fuel
burning power plants. Using efficient fluorescent lamps reduces pollution
and so does recycling them when they are spent.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED TO RECYCLE FLUORESCENT LAMPS?
Some important facts concerning your fluorescent lamps and
their disposal.
Q: Do I need to recycle my fluorescent lamps?
A: YES! All fluorescent lamps contain mercury. Mercury is a hazardous
substance that when released to the environment can contribute to
neurological impairment in child development. In addition, the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency considers mercury a persistent bio-accumulative
toxic substance. Proper recycling of fluorescent lamps prevents mercury
from being released into the environment which could get in to our
air, water, and food.
Q: Is there a law that requires fluorescent lamp recycling?
A: YES! There are many laws, regulations, and legal liability issues
that require lamps to be recycled.
As of February 8th, 2006 all universal waste that contains mercury
must be recycled. This includes electronic devices, thermostats with
mercury tilt switches, pilot light sensors, electrical switches and
relays, fluorescent light tubes and bulbs, and also any other mercury
containing lights.
Consider the following:
- All generators
of spent fluorescent lamps are responsible for their proper
disposal (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, RCRA).
The act specifies that unless you are a household, you are
liable
for proper disposal of your hazardous waste. Using a specific
type of lamp, i.e. a low mercury lamp, does not satisfy the
requirement. Only proper documentation, TCLP analytical tests,
done by approved EPA methods by an approved EPA laboratory,
will satisfy the legal requirement of proof that your waste
is not hazardous.
- If you do not have proper documentation
then you will need to show where you have been sending your
waste lamps. Note that if you do not have documentation showing
your lamps as non-hazardous, then the law requires you to assume
that they are hazardous waste. Once this assumption is made,
then you will be required to prove that you have disposed of
the hazardous waste using legal means. Sending lamps to a responsible
lamp recycling organization will satisfy the requirement, provided
the responsible recycling organization is registered with its
State and or EPA as a bona fide lamp recycling entity.
- Most states
along with the EPA have adopted Universal Waste Regulations
for the disposal of lamps. These regulations allow lamps
to be sent using common carriers without the need of a Hazardous
Waste Manifest. This keeps the cost of transportation low
and thus encourages the recycling of the lamps. Some aspects
of the RCRA and Universal Waste regulations allow for "Conditionally
Exempt Small-Quantity Generators" to become exempt for
certain aspects of the regulations. None of these exemptions
allow for improper lamp disposal.
- Certain
landfills, municipal waste incinerators, and disposal facilities
will not accept mercury-containing articles regardless of
the TCLP value of the item or any Federal or State exemptions.
Each disposal facility has its own permitting requirements
with governing authorities and as such must comply with all
permit requirements. Always check with your disposal facility
before sending those items to them.
- Of course,
considering the above regulations, the safest and most responsible
method of disposal is to utilize a legitimate mercury recycler.
|
