Waste » Business » Mercury » Light Bulb, Fluorescent Lamp and Tube
Most fluorescent and high-intensity discharge lamps can be classified as hazardous waste, typically because of the mercury content. Businesses may not be aware they could be illegally disposing of a hazardous waste and subject to penalties. However, they can choose to manage these lamps as Universal Waste. This allows for easier management of this waste, but Universal Waste Rules must be followed. To learn more, consult The Department of Ecology's "Universal Waste Rule for Lamps."
Universal Waste Rule for Lamps is an Ecology Fact Sheet that describes this waste in detail, including handling requirements. Below are some basic guidelines for managing lamps as universal waste:
Contain lamps in structurally sound containers such as cardboard boxes or fiber drums. In addition, keep containers closed when not adding lamps.
Clearly label or mark individual lamps or containers with the following:
- One of the following:
- "Universal Waste – Lamps"
- "Waste Lamps"
- "Used Lamps"
- The accumulation start date. (Both used and unused lamps become waste on the date the handler decides to discard them.)
- Identification of the contents.
You can only accumulate lamps for one year from the date they are generated. To document this, the collection container or individual UW lamp is typically marked with the first date of accumulation. An extension to the one year accumulation limit is allowed if the facility needs more time to collect enough items to facilitate proper recovery, treatment, or disposal.
Immediately clean up any broken lamps and store debris in a closed container.
The Department of Ecology's Universal Waste Rule for Lamps
The Department of Ecology's Manage Universal Waste webpage
