Universal Waste - Lamps

Federal Regulation 40 CFR Part 273
State Regulation 10 CSR 25-16.273

MDNR Fact Sheet

WASTE LAMPS 
If properly recycled, unbroken lamps (light bulbs) deemed for disposal can be managed under the Universal Waste Rule instead of the more stringent hazardous waste regulations. Lamps include fluorescent tubes and bulbs (including compact fluorescent light bulbs), hazardous incandescent lamps, high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps, neon and mercury vapor lamps, and high-pressure sodium and metal halide lamps.

HANDLING
After removing a bulb or lamp from the fixture, carefully handle to prevent breakage. Broken, damaged, or leaking lamps must be containerized separately from non-broken ones and be managed as a hazardous waste, instead of a universal waste (refer to  Hazardous Waste section of ECAM). Follow emergency procedures for cleaning up spillage of toxic metals such as mercury and lead. See MDNR Fact Sheet for cleaning up small mercury spills.

STORAGE
Non-broken lamps must be placed in containers that are structurally sound, adequate to prevent breakage, and compatible with the contents of the lamps. Examples of appropriate containers include cardboard boxes and fiber drums. Containers must be closed at all times, except when adding or removing lamps. Such containers must lack evidence of leakage, spillage, or damage that could cause leakage under reasonable foreseeable conditions.  Keep containers in a dry place.

Clearly label the container with any one of the following phrases:

  • “Universal Waste – Lamp(s),” or

  • “Waste Lamp(s),” or

  • “Used Lamp(s).”

Also, clearly label the container with the accumulation start date, the date the first lamp was placed in the container. Universal waste lamps cannot accumulate for more than one (1) year after the initial storage date.

DISPOSAL
Universal waste lamps cannot be disposed of into the environment. Lamps must be recycled at a RCRA permitted facility that has also obtained and complies with a Missouri Certified Resource Recovery Facility authorization. Businesses may self-transport universal waste to an authorized destination facility or Missouri Certified Resource Recovery Facility.

 

Rob LeForce, AECI, revised 8/12/2015