What is the purpose of regulating the management of mercury-containing lamps?
One of the benefits of the new law is that it requires techniques to be developed to warn consumers and businesses about lamp products that contain mercury. The law advises consumers to use wise purchasing practices when purchasing lamps that contain mercury and to recycle or properly dispose of mercury-containing lamps. Such lamps may include fluorescent, neon, high intensity discharge (HID) including mercury vapor, metal halide and high pressure sodium and other specialty lamps.
What sector of the public is effected by this provision?
When will the provision become effective?
Effective July 1, 2002, 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.
What are the obligations of a retailer who sells mercury-containing lamps?
A retailer of mercury-added lamps must provide information either on the invoice for the mercury-containing lamps or in a separate document that the lamps contain mercury which is a hazardous substance regulated by federal and State law and that the lamps may not be placed in the garbage for disposal.
What exemptions, if any, apply to retail establishments?
Any retail establishment that incidentally sells mercury-added lamps is exempt from this provision.
What must retailers tell workers who handle waste mercury-added products?
All employees who handle or manage waste mercury-added products must be informed of the:
Are mercury containing lamps considered wastes subject to the universal waste rule?
Yes, lamps removed from commercial, industrial or institutional facilities including but not limited to fluorescent, neon and mercury vapor lamps are considered universal wastes. Refer to the Universal Waste Rule Environmental Program Fact Sheet for specifics. The Department also considers high intensity discharge, high pressure sodium and metal halide lamps to be included in the definition of lamps covered by the universal waste rule. Lamps generated from residential sources are not subject to the universal waste rule.
What method should be used to dispose of residential mercury containing lamps?
Mercury containing lamps generated from residential buildings should be disposed of through local household hazardous waste collection programs. Refer to the household hazardous waste collection day schedules listed on the website contact the DEP.
Where can additional information be found?
For further information, visit the DEP Web site at www.dep.state.ct.us/wst/mercury/mercury.htm or for assistance, visit our office Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or call the DEP Mercury Hotline at 1-877-537-2488 or (860) 424-3297. This overview is designed to provide basic information and to answer general questions. Refer to the appropriate Connecticut General Statutes for the specific regulatory language.
September 2002