Fluorescent Lamp Recycling / Disposal Process

Why should I be concerned about mercury?
Mercury is toxic to the human nervous system. Chronic breathing of mercury vapors can cause a range of physical symptoms, including inability to coordinate body movement and impairment of hearing, speech and vision. Exposure to mercury in other forms can lead to skin rashes and kidney damage.

Under certain conditions, fluorescent lamps burned in waste-to-energy plants can release mercury to the air and water. Not even the best pollution control devices can capture all of the mercury all of the time

Mercury in the water "bioaccumulates" - that is, it builds up in concentration over time. For instance, in the tissue of fish, it makes them less healthy to eat frequently. Pregnant women who eat contaminated fish can pass mercury to their unborn children.

Recycling
Upgrading a lighting system involves the removal and disposal of lamps and ballasts. Fluorescent lamps generated from these energy upgrades may be considered hazardous waste. Determining whether a waste is hazardous is the responsibility of the generator through "knowledge of the product" or the toxicity test (TCLP). Most fluorescent lamps fail the toxicity test (TCLP) for mercury and must be managed properly. Fluorescent lamps, when disposed, must meet the specified treatment standards under the land disposal restriction and certain states have policies in place to assure spent fluorescent lamps are being handled properly.

Recycling is a viable option for the proper handling of fluorescent lamps and can reduce the risk of future financial liability associated with hazardous waste. An effective lamp recycling program will not only protect a generator`s long-term interest, but will also contribute to waste minimization efforts already in place.

Eastern Environmental Technologies, Incorporated (EET) offers fluorescent lamp recycling advice to a broad range of companies, institutions, and municipalities throughout the United States. EET utilizes innovative European developed lamp recycling equipment which provides virtually 100% recycling, the method most preferred by federal, state, and local regulators.

The process produces aluminum end-caps, clean glass and mercury/phosphor powder, which are sent for reclamation. All "end product" facilities are audited and approved to utilize these material in the process.

EET can recommend a fluorescent lamp and ballast recycling program for you, as well as coordinate packaging, tracking, and transportation.