Fluorescent Bulb & Lamp Disposal Services
Professional Light Bulb Recycling for Businesses Nationwide
Fluorescent bulbs and lamps contain mercury and must be recycled under EPA universal waste regulations. From standard fluorescent tubes to compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and high-intensity discharge (HID) bulbs, proper disposal is required. Hazardous Waste Disposal has been helping businesses recycle lamps since 1992.
Call (800) 582-4833 for fluorescent bulb disposal services or email info@hazardouswastedisposal.com
Types of Lamps We Recycle
Linear Fluorescent Tubes
The most common commercial lighting.
What we handle:
4-foot T8 and T12 tubes
8-foot tubes
2-foot tubes
U-shaped tubes
Circline tubes
Specialty lengths
Mercury content: 3-50 mg per tube Recycling rate: 95-99% of materials recovered
Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)
Screw-in energy-efficient bulbs.
What we handle:
Spiral CFLs
Plug-in CFLs
Globe CFLs
Flood CFLs
Specialty shapes
Mercury content: 1-5 mg per bulb Regulation: Universal waste
High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Lamps
High-output lighting for warehouses and outdoor areas.
What we handle:
Metal halide lamps
High-pressure sodium lamps
Mercury vapor lamps
Low-pressure sodium lamps
Mercury content: 15-350 mg per lamp Note: Higher mercury content requires careful handling
LED Bulbs
Modern energy-efficient lighting.
What we handle:
LED tubes
LED bulbs
LED fixtures
Integrated LED units
Mercury content: None (no mercury in LEDs) Recycling: For electronic components and materials Note: Not required to recycle but recommended
Specialty Lamps
Unusual or specialized lighting.
What we handle:
Black lights
Germicidal lamps
Tanning bed bulbs
Photography bulbs
Theatrical lighting
Medical equipment lamps
Ballasts
Lighting fixture components.
What we handle:
Fluorescent ballasts
HID ballasts
Non-PCB ballasts
Electronic ballasts
Regulation: PCB-containing ballasts are hazardous waste (pre-1979)
Why Fluorescent Bulbs Require Recycling
Mercury Content
All fluorescent and HID lamps contain mercury:
Mercury is toxic: Affects nervous system, kidneys, and development
Environmental contamination: Mercury persists in environment
Bioaccumulation: Concentrates in food chain
Illegal to landfill: Banned in many states
Impact: One 4-foot fluorescent tube contains enough mercury to contaminate 6,000 gallons of water.
Federal and State Laws
Recycling is often mandatory:
EPA Universal Waste Rule: Requires proper management
State bans: Many states prohibit lamp disposal in landfills
OSHA requirements: Worker protection from mercury exposure
EPA enforcement: Violations result in significant fines
Resource Recovery
Lamps contain valuable materials:
Glass: 88% of lamp weight, fully recyclable
Mercury: Recovered and reused
Metals: Aluminum end caps, brass bases
Phosphor powder: Contains rare earth elements
Environmental benefit: Recycling prevents mercury release and conserves resources.
LEED and Sustainability
Green building and corporate sustainability:
LEED credits: Proper lamp recycling earns points
Corporate sustainability goals: Demonstrates environmental commitment
Regulatory compliance: Meets environmental standards
Public image: Shows responsible business practices
Fluorescent Lamp Regulations
Universal Waste Rule (40 CFR 273)
Lamps are regulated as universal waste:
All mercury-containing lamps covered
Streamlined regulations vs. full hazardous waste
One-year storage limit
No manifests required for universal waste
Must use approved recycler
State-Specific Requirements
Many states have stricter lamp laws:
California: All lamps are hazardous waste
Vermont, Maine, Minnesota, Washington: Landfill bans
New York: Disposal ban
Massachusetts: Banned from landfills
Check your state for specific requirements
Small vs. Large Quantity Handlers
Small Quantity Handler of Universal Waste (SQHUW):
Accumulate <5,000 kg (11,000 lbs)
Store up to one year
Basic labeling required
No EPA ID needed
Large Quantity Handler of Universal Waste (LQHUW):
Accumulate ≥5,000 kg
Store up to one year
EPA ID number required
Notify EPA
Additional record keeping
Most businesses are small quantity handlers.
Our Lamp Recycling Services
Regular Scheduled Collection
For ongoing lamp replacement:
Monthly, quarterly, or annual pickup
Recycling containers provided
Predictable costs
All documentation handled
Perfect for:
Office buildings
Retail stores
Warehouses
Manufacturing facilities
Lamp Recycling Containers
Various container options:
Fiber drum boxes:
4-foot tube capacity (standard)
8-foot tube capacity
CFL/U-bend specialty boxes
Crush-proof construction
Sizes:
Small (holds 17-35 lamps)
Medium (holds 35-75 lamps)
Large (holds 75-160 lamps)
One-Time Lamp Disposal
For occasional needs:
Facility lighting upgrades
Remodeling projects
Building closures
Accumulated inventory disposal
Lamp Recycling Programs
Comprehensive programs:
Container placement throughout facility
Employee training materials
Pickup scheduling
Recycling certificates
Sustainability reporting data
Mail-Back Lamp Kits
For small quantities:
Pre-paid shipping boxes
Mail to recycling facility
Certificates provided
Good for remote locations
Sizes available:
2-foot lamp kit
4-foot lamp kit
CFL/HID kit
Mixed lamp kit
Lamp Storage and Handling
Storage Requirements
Store lamps properly:
Keep in original shipping boxes when possible
Use recycling containers
Store in dry location
Protect from breakage
Keep organized by type
Don't:
Store outdoors without protection
Stack boxes too high
Mix with other waste
Store near traffic areas
Labeling Requirements
Universal waste lamp containers must be labeled:
"Universal Waste - Lamps"
"Waste Lamps"
"Used Fluorescent Lamps"
Or similar clear identification
Preventing Breakage
Critical for mercury control:
Handle carefully
Use proper containers
Don't overfill boxes
Secure during transport
Train employees on handling
If lamps break:
Clean up immediately
Use proper PPE
Ventilate area
Place broken lamps in sealed container
Still send for recycling
Accumulation Time Limits
Universal waste lamps:
Maximum one year storage
Track when accumulation started
Schedule pickups before limit
Lamp Recycling Process
Collection and Transportation
Steps:
Lamps collected from your facility
Packed in DOT-compliant containers
Transported to recycling facility
Tracking documentation maintained
Recycling Process
What happens at recycling facility:
1. Crushing:
Lamps crushed in closed system
Mercury vapor captured
Components separated
2. Material Separation:
Glass sorted and cleaned
Metal end caps removed
Phosphor powder collected
Mercury captured and distilled
3. Material Recovery:
Glass: Sent to glass manufacturers or aggregate
Mercury: Purified and reused in new lamps or other products
Metals: Recycled into new products
Phosphor: Rare earth elements recovered
4. Beneficial Reuse:
Materials return to manufacturing
Nothing goes to landfill
Closed-loop recycling
Recovery rate: 95-99% of lamp materials recycled
Lamp Disposal Costs
Standard Fluorescent Tubes
4-foot tubes: $0.50-$1.50 per lamp 8-foot tubes: $1.00-$2.00 per lamp 2-foot tubes: $0.40-$1.00 per lamp
Compact Fluorescent Lamps
CFLs: $0.30-$1.00 per bulb Higher wattage: Slightly more
HID Lamps
Metal halide: $1.50-$3.00 per lamp High-pressure sodium: $1.50-$3.00 per lamp Mercury vapor: $1.50-$3.00 per lamp
Ballasts
Non-PCB ballasts: $2-$5 each PCB ballasts (pre-1979): $10-$25 each (hazardous waste)
Recycling Containers
Fiber drum boxes:
Small: $15-$25 each
Medium: $25-$40 each
Large: $40-$75 each
Service Options
Scheduled pickup: Best per-lamp rates with regular service One-time pickup: May include trip charge ($150-$300) Mail-back kits: $30-$150 per kit depending on size
Volume Discounts
Large quantities receive better rates:
500+ lamps: 10-20% discount
1,000+ lamps: 20-30% discount
5,000+ lamps: 30-40% discount
Call (800) 582-4833 for volume pricing
How to Reduce Lamp Recycling Costs
1. Implement LED Lighting
Long-term savings:
LEDs last 5-10x longer than fluorescents
No mercury to recycle
Lower energy costs
Reduced replacement frequency
ROI: LED upgrades typically pay back in 2-5 years
2. Schedule Regular Pickups
Avoid one-time charges:
Annual or semi-annual service
Better per-lamp rates
Included container costs
Predictable budgeting
Savings: 20-40% vs. on-demand pickup
3. Consolidate Waste Streams
Combine services:
Recycle lamps with batteries
Add e-waste pickup
Multi-service discounts available
Savings: 15-25% on combined services
4. Use Proper Containers
Maximize efficiency:
Fill containers completely
Use right size for lamp types
Prevent breakage reduces costs
Proper packing saves space
5. Track Lamp Inventory
Prevent over-purchasing:
Monitor lamp usage
Buy appropriate quantities
Reduce expired inventory
Group relamping projects
Industries That Generate Lamp Waste
Office Buildings
Lamps generated:
Overhead fluorescent tubes
CFL desk lamps
Conference room lighting
Exit signs
Volume: 100-1,000+ lamps per year
Retail Stores
Lamps generated:
Display lighting
Overhead fluorescents
Specialty lighting
Signage lamps
Volume: 200-2,000 lamps per year
Warehouses
Lamps generated:
High-bay HID lamps
Fluorescent shop lights
Dock lighting
Office area lamps
Volume: 100-500 lamps per year
Manufacturing Facilities
Lamps generated:
Production area lighting
Warehouse lighting
Office areas
Specialty task lighting
Volume: 500-5,000+ lamps per year
Schools & Universities
Lamps generated:
Classroom lighting
Hallway and common areas
Laboratory lighting
Athletic facilities
Volume: 1,000-10,000+ lamps per year
Healthcare Facilities
Lamps generated:
Patient room lighting
Procedure room lighting
Hallway and common areas
Specialty medical lighting
Volume: 500-5,000 lamps per year
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can fluorescent bulbs go in the trash? A: No in most states. Federal law allows it but many states ban lamp disposal in landfills. Always recycle fluorescent lamps.
Q: How much mercury is in a fluorescent bulb? A: 4-foot tubes contain 3-50 mg. CFLs contain 1-5 mg. HID lamps contain 15-350 mg depending on type.
Q: Do LED bulbs need to be recycled? A: Not required (no mercury), but recommended for electronic component recycling and sustainability.
Q: What if a fluorescent bulb breaks? A: Ventilate the area, use gloves to clean up, place in sealed container, and still send for recycling. Mercury vapor dissipates quickly.
Q: How should lamps be stored? A: In original boxes or recycling containers, in dry location, protected from breakage, for up to one year maximum.
Q: Do I need an EPA ID number for lamps? A: Not if you're a small quantity handler (<5,000 kg) of universal waste. Large handlers need EPA ID.
Q: Can broken lamps be recycled? A: Yes, broken lamps should still be recycled. Place carefully in sealed container.
Q: How often should lamps be picked up? A: Depends on generation rate. Common schedules: annually (low volume), semi-annually (medium), quarterly (high volume).
Get Started with Lamp Recycling Service
Call (800) 582-4833 or email info@hazardouswastedisposal.com
What to have ready:
Types of lamps you use
Approximate quantity generated annually
Storage space available
Desired pickup frequency
We'll provide:
Free quote for lamp recycling
Recycling containers delivered
Pickup scheduling
Recycling certificates
Sustainability reporting data
LEED documentation if needed
Most facilities save money with scheduled lamp recycling programs!
Serving businesses nationwide since 1992
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