Lamp
Recycling FAQ
Why should I recycle lamps?
Some lamps contain a small amount of mercury or
other materials that may be considered hazardous or
universal waste. The best way to avoid these
materials from entering the waste stream and having
a negative impact on our environment is to recycle
them.
Recycling reduces the potential for future liability
as most lighting waste is regulated by the Federal
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the
Toxic Substances Control Act (TCSA), the Superfund
liability laws and the Universal Waste Rule.
Regulations require that hazardous waste must be
properly identified, stored, transported, treated
and disposed and that generators are financially
responsible for cleaning up the effects of improper
disposal. The Universal Waste Rule is designed to
promote and simplify the proper management and
recycling of certain lighting wastes.
Can’t I just throw the used lamps in the trash?
Lamps that are thrown in the trash end up being sent
to a landfill or incinerated. These disposal methods
could lead to the materials such as mercury being
released into the environment. According to industry
sources almost 700 million fluorescent lamps alone
are thrown in the trash each year in the United
States. This creates up to 4 tons of mercury each
year being released into the environment.
Many federal and state laws actually require
recycling of certain lamps.
So, recycling is not only an environmentally
responsible action it may be the law.
Which lamps should be recycled?
Many federal and state laws require users to
properly recycle spent lamps. The National
Electrical Manufacturers Association has created an
interactive map that supplies current
mercury-containing product legislation by state. It
can be found at
http://www.nema.org/gov/env_conscious_design/mercury/
Do TCLP compliant lamps need to be recycled?
TCLP compliant lamps are lamps found to have low
levels of mercury that can leech into the
environment, but these lamps do still contain
mercury. USHIO continues to recommend that the best
method of disposal is recycling.
Can Mercury or other hazardous materials leak out
of a lamp?
Mercury can not get into the air or the environment
directly from an operating lamp. The mercury inside
the lamp may bind to the other materials in the
lamp, but it can not leak out. Even in the
manufacturing process the mercury is controlled so
none of it can be released into the environment. The
only way the mercury is released from the lamps into
the environment is when the lamps are broken at the
end of life. That’s why proper recycling is so
critical.
Where can I learn more about mercury and lamps
that contain mercury?
www.epa.gov
Who is Veolia?
Veolia Environmental Services is the world’s largest
waste services company. They have the capability to
process up to 250,000 lamps per day and have 150
years of experience delivering environmental
solutions. Veolia’s recycling centers are routinely
audited and certified and all documentation is
verified to assure compliance.
What is Veolia’s relationship with USHIO?
USHIO America, a leader in the specialty lighting
marketplace, has entered into a partnership
agreement with Veolia Environmental Services, a
leader in lamp and ballast recycling, to offer
environmental solutions to all USHIO America’s
customers. By offering lamp and ballast recycling,
USHIO America now provides all of its customers
complete lighting solution packages from light
sources to lamp and ballast recycling services.
What is a RECYCLEPAK?
RECYCLEPAK is a quick and easy way to recycle lamps
and ballasts. One price includes the shipping of
packaging materials to you, the return shipping and
the recycling services. Veolia will also send you a
certificate of recycling to confirm your waste was
recycled in accordance with Federal and state
regulations.
Why can’t I just send them in their existing
packages?
RECYCLEPAK return shipping containers have been
tested and approved at an independent testing
laboratory to determine compliance with applicable
sections of 49 CFR pertaining to the safe transport
of dangerous goods- Packaging Group III. The
RECYCLEPAK lamp recycling boxes have gone through
repetitive shock vibration tests, free fall drop
tests, stacking tests and even water absorption
tests. These extra steps are taken to ensure your
materials are contained properly during shipment in
order to minimize liability. Furthermore, all
shipping carriers require these materials be shipped
following certain guidelines and in some cases
include additional containment mechanisms such as a
poly liner. Lastly, regulations and labeling
requirements vary by state. Existing manufacturer
boxes my not include all or any of the above items.
Do I have to order RECYCLEPAK on the web or can I
place an order over the phone?
You have the option of placing an order for
RECYCLEPAKon the web or you can feel free to place
an order over the phone by calling 1-888-669-9725
and say “I’m an USHIO customer.”
Who do I contact if I have more questions?
If you have any questions about USHIO lamp products
or specifications you are welcome to contact USHIO’s
Customer Service Center at 1-800-838-7446. Questions
regarding lamp recycling or RECYCLEPAK should be
directed to Veolia Environmental Services customer
service department at 888-669-9725.
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