| Fluorescent and mercury
vapor lamps contain mercury and may be considered hazardous waste
when spent. Determining whether a waste is hazardous is the
responsibility of the generator through "knowledge of the
product" or the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure test
(TCLP). Most fluorescent and mercury vapor lamps fail the toxicity
test for mercury and must be managed properly. When disposed, lamps
must meet the specified treatment standards under U.S. EPA land
disposal regulations and many states have policies in place to
encourage the recycling of spent mercury bearing lamps. |
| Recycling is a viable
option for the proper handling of fluorescent and mercury vapor
lamps and can reduce the risk of future financial liability
associated with landfill disposal. An effective lamp recycling
program will not only protect generators against future liability,
but will also contribute to waste minimization efforts already in
place. |
| Lamps are separated into
components that are cleansed of mercury through a unique patented
process of separation and distillation, and are sold as commercially
reusable products. |
