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Fluorescent Lamp and Bulb Recycling
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Using fluorescent lighting is smart.
Fluorescent bulbs last 10 times longer, operate at a cooler temperature,
and use less energy while providing the same brightness and color
as incandescent bulbs. But fluorescent bulbs contain potentially
harmful substances such as highly toxic heavy metals like mercury,
cadmium and lead which, if ingested can have negative impacts on
human health. Mercury is the main concern with fluorescent lighting.
Because of this businesses in Wisconsin are required to recyle thier
fluorecent lamps rather than disposing of them in landfills.
Working on behalf of the Southeast Wisconsin
Waste Reduction Coalition (SEWWRC) through funding by the Wisconsin
Department of Natural Resources, WasteCap Wisconsin has been working
to educate businesses in Southeastern Wisconsin about the need to
recycle their fluorescent tubes.
Why Are Waste Fluorescent Lamps Regulated?
Fluorescent lamps and light bulbs are
considered hazardous waste because they contain mercury and other
toxic heavy metals. Improper disposal of a fluorescent bulb to a
landfill or other disposal method creates the risk of mercury finding
its way into our lakes, streams, and other watercourses and ultimately
into the food chain. When mercury reaches a lake, river, or stream
it is converted to methylmercury by bacteria and other natural processes.
Fish absorb methylmercury from their food and directly from the
water. Once absorbed by the fish the mercury tightly binds to proteins
in the fish tissue. Once in the fish the mercury can then easily
move up the food chain.
Who Has To Recycle Their Fluorescent
Bulbs?
All businesses in Wisconsin are required
to recycle thier fluorescent bulbs. Nearly every business,
institution and government agency generates waste lamps and bulbs
that could.become a hazardous waste problem if not handled properly.
Because of this the DNR has developed a policy encouraging lamp
and bulb recycling that protects the environment while reducing
the regulatory burden for managing waste lamps. This policy:
- allows waste lamp generators to safely store and recycle their
lamps without strictly following hazardous waste regulations;
- does not permit businesses and other regulated groups to dispose
of waste lamps and light bulbs in sanitary landfills if those
waste lamps and bulbs contain heavy metals that exceed hazardous
waste limits; and,
- only applies to fluorescent and other mercury-containing lamps
because recycling options do not currently exist for other types
of waste lamps.
Waste lamps that aren't recycled are
subject to hazardous waste regulations that usually require storage,
transport and other licenses or approvals from the state Department
of Natural Resources.
What Should I Do With My Waste Lamps and Bulbs?
Store your fluorescent bulbs that have
reached the end of their life span in an area and in a way that
will prevent them from breaking, such as in the box the replacement
bulbs came in. Label the boxes with the words "Universal Waste
Bulbs". If the bulbs are accidentally broken, store them in
a sealed container. Then, contact a fluorescent bulb recycler in
your area. Some bulb recyclers offer transportation services while
others may ask you to safely transport your own bulbs to their facility.
To find a fluorescent bulb recycler near you please refer to the
Fluorescent Bulb Recycler Directories at the bottom of this page
or visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource's recycling
markets directory on the DNR's website at http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/wm/markets/www_resources.html.
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