New Fluorescent Lamp Disposal Ruling from EPA

On June 28, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued

a new rule regarding the disposal of fluorescent lamps. Under the new rule, fluorescent lamps will be treated as “universal waste,” a designation that will reduce the regulatory burden on businesses that generate such wastes. EPA issued the first universal waste rule in 1995 to streamline environmental regulations for wastes produced in relatively small quantities by large numbers of businesses. The universal waste rules reduce the amount of hazardous waste reaching municipal landfills and incinerators by encouraging greater recycling and proper disposal. Standards for storing, transporting, and collecting universal wastes will be less burdensome for businesses, but the hazardous waste requirements for recycling, treatment, or disposal must be complied with fully, according to the EPA. Fluorescent lamps contain small quantities of mercury. Each lamp contains just a tiny amount, but about a billion of the lamps are disposed of annually in the United States. For more information, visit the EPA Web site (www.epa.gov) and look under “Laws and Regulations,” or call the RCRA Hotline at 800/424-9346 or 703/412-9810. For recycling options, contact the newly formed Association of Lighting and Mercury Recyclers at 707/942-2197.