FLUORESCENT LIGHTS AND MERCURY
| Mercury is an essential ingredient for most
energy-efficient lamps. Fluorescent lamps and high intensity discharge
(HID) lamps are the two most common types of lamps that utilize mercury.
Fluorescent lamps provide lighting for most schools, office
buildings and stores. HID lamps, which include mercury-vapor, metal
halide and high-pressure sodium lamps, are used for street lights,
floodlights and industrial lighting. A typical fluorescent lamp is
composed of a phosphor-coated glass tube with electrodes located at
either end. The tube contains mercury, of which only a very small
amount is in vapor form. When a voltage is applied, the electrodes
energize the mercury vapor, causing it to emit ultraviolet (UV) energy.
The phosphor coating absorbs the UV energy, causing the phosphor to
fluoresce and emit visible light. Without the mercury vapor to produce
UV energy, there would be no light. A four-foot fluorescent lamp has an
average rated life of at least 20,000 hours. To achieve this long life,
lamps must contain a specific quantity of mercury. The amount of mercury
required is very small, typically measured in milligrams, and varies by lamp
type, date of manufacture, manufacturing plant and manufacturer. |
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Listed below are fact sheets, Web sites,
brochures and articles on fluorescent lamps. The links will appear in
a new browser window.
Full Title: Disposal of Fluorescent Light Tubes, High Intensity Discharge Lamps and Flourescent Lamp Ballasts
Full Work Author: PRO-ACT
Abstract: Fluorescent light tubes and lamp ballasts, and high intensity discharge (HID) lamps are found throughout our environment in residences, office buildings, commercial and industrial buildings, streets, and parking lots. Their disposal can create waste which are often classified as hazardous. The purpose of this fact sheet is to provide information on the components which make the waste hazardous and on appropriate waste disposal procedures.
Full Title: CFLs: Mercury and Disposal
Full Work Author: N.C. State Energy Office
Abstract: CFLs contain a small amount of mercury and should be disposed of properly, ideally recycled. Proper disposal options and what to do if a bulb breaks can be found in this fact sheet.
Full Title:
Mercury in Fluorescent Lamps
Full Work Author: Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Abstract: This Web site covers a very brief synopsis of mercury
in fluorescent lamps. It explains why mercury is toxic,
what to do with used fluorescent lamps, and links to some of
the recycling services of fluorescent lamps in the New England area.
Full Title: Safe and Environmentally Sound Management of Mercury-Containing Lamps
Full Work Author: Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection
Abstract: Overview of 2002 law requiring any person who sells mercury-added lamps to an owner or manager of an industrial, commercial, or office building or to a person who replaces or removes from services outdoor lamps is required to notify the purchaser that the lamps contain mercury.
Full Title: Management of Spent Hazardous Waste Lamps Under the Universal Waste Rule in NJ
Full Work Author: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Abstract:This information was excerpted from the New Jersey Administrative Code and the Code of Federal Regulations and contains only those regulations pertaining to the management of spent hazardous waste lamps as universal waste.
Full Title: Hazardous Waste Lamp Fact Sheet
Full Work Author: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Abstract: On June 17, 2002, New Jersey adopted an amendment to the Universal Waste Rule including hazardous waste lamps as a universal waste. This fact sheet addresses how generators should handle lamp disposal.
Full Title:
Mercury-Containing Lamps and Devices
Full Work Author: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (Waste Management)
Abstract: This Web site gives a comprehensive view about mercury and how
the state of Florida is managing its supply. It lists their
regulations and
statistics, and offers information for guidance and suggestions for spent fluorescent
bulbs or mercury-containing devices.
Full Title:
Universal Waste Rule
Full Work Author: U.S. EPA Office of Solid Waste
Abstract: As part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s)
commitment to reinvent environmental regulations, the agency recently issued the “Universal
Waste Rule.” This rule is designed to reduce the amount of hazardous waste items
in the municipal solid waste (MSW) stream, encourage recycling and proper disposal of
certain common hazardous wastes, and reduce the regulatory burden on businesses that
generate these wastes.
Full Title:
Environmental Fact Sheet: Some Used Lamps Are Universal Wastes
Full Work Author: U.S. EPA: Solid Waste and Emergency Response
Abstract: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is promoting the safe
recycling and disposal of certain used lamps, especially fluorescent and high
intensity discharge (HID) lamps. The agency believes that this waste can be better
managed under EPA’s universal waste program, and is therefore adding used
hazardous waste lamps to its universal waste rule.
Full Title:
Federal Register: Hazardous Waste Management System; Modification of the Hazardous Waste Program; Hazardous Waste Lamps
Full Work Author:U.S. EPA:Office of Solid Waste
Abstract: This is the final rule on whether to add fluorescent
lamps to the federal list of universal wastes regulated under RCRA.
Full Title:
Important Notice to Lighting Vendors and Contractors
Full Work Author: Maine Department of Environmental Protection
Abstract: Outlines Maine's August 2000 law regarding mercury-containing lamps.
Full Title:
Regulation of Fluorescent Lamps
Full Work Author: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Abstract: This Web page covers the regulations that surround fluorescent
lamps and why they are categorized as a hazardous material. The page further
explains the Universal Waste Rule and the traditional RCRA approach to managing
fluorescent lamps.
Full Title:
Management of Mercury-Containing Lamps
Full Work Author: Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection
Abstract: This information sheet is a basic question and answer page that
answers most likely questions about mercury, from defining mercury-containing lamps to the regulations of mercury-containing lights.
Full Title:
Household Hazards
Full Work Author: Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Abstract: This fact sheet gives information on the hazards of fluorescent
lamps, the safe way to handle mercury and fluorescent lamps, and offers advice on
using the best management practices for fluorescent lamps.
Full Title: Mercury Lamp Drum-Top Crusher Study
Full Work Author: U.S. EPA
Abstract: This study provides the most current information on the performance of drum-top mercury lamp crushing lamp devices. This information should help states, users of mercury-containing lamps and lamp recyclers make more informed decisions when managing fluorescent lamps. Drum-top mercury lamp crushers are used to improve waste lamp storage and transport, and reduce costs associated with lamp recycling.
Full Title: Directory of Markets for Recyclable Materials
(search under misc. materials)
• Fluorescent
Lights - Fluorescent Tubes
Full Work Author: N.C. Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance
Abstract: This page lists fluorescent lamp recyclers for fluorescent
tubes and ballasts.
Full Title:
Fact Sheet: Disposal of Spent Fluorescent Light Tubes and Mercury Vapor Lamps
Full Work Author: City of Los Angeles: Department of Public Works
Abstract: This fact sheet provides information on government regulations and
guidelines on the proper disposal of spent fluorescent tubes and mercury vapor lamps.
Full Title:
Fluorescent or HID Lamp Recyclers
Full Work Author: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Abstract: This page lists lamp recyclers located all over the
United States.
Full Title:
Recycling Solutions
Full Work Author: Advanced Environmental Recycling Company (AERC)/Mercury Technology International (MTI)
Abstract: AERC and MTI are two mercury recycling companies dedicated to
recovering mercury from fluorescent lamps, mercury devices, batteries, etc. They
utilize state-of-the-art technology to recover and recycle mercury-containing
lamps and devices.
Full Title: Lamprecycle.Org
Full Work Author: National Electrical Manufacturers Association
(NEMA)
Abstract: Lamprecycle.org was developed by the Lamp Section of
the National Electrical Manufacturers Association to provide a
one-stop source of information about spent fluorescent and high
intensity discharge lamp recycling. It contains information about federal
and state regulatory spent lamp management requirements and state
information contacts. It also lists companies that are in the business
of handling and recycling spent lamps. The site also contains a copy
of the NEMA Lamp Section brochure, “Fluorescent Lamps and the
Environment.”
Full Title: Purchasing for Pollution Prevention - Mercury Containing Lamps
Full Work Author: INFORM Inc.
Abstract: Fluorescent, compact fluorescent, low-pressure sodium, and metal halide lamps contain mercury. Facilities can improve energy efficiency and reduce mercury consumption by purchasing and installing energy-efficient lamps with the lowest mercury amount. These fact sheets will serve as a guide to your purchase alternatives.
Full Title: Brite-Lite Fluorescents
• Alto
Fluorescent Lamps
• Fluorescent
and Compact Lamps
Full Work Author: Brite-Lite Wholesale Lighting Distributors
Abstract: These two pages offer products that contain low mercury and
allow consumers to compare the amount of mercury their lamps contain, compared to
other leading distributors. The site also contains a way of quoting energy
costs with an energy cost calculator.
Full Title:
Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Full Work Author: U.S. EPA
Abstract: ENERGY STAR® labeled compact fluorescent light bulbs can
help save money on utility bills through superior designs that require less
money and less energy to keep your home cool and bright. This Web page
describes the benefits of CFLs and how they compare to regular incandescent lights.
CFLs are smaller versions of fluorescent lamps that are low-mercury and energy
efficient.
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