How to Dispose of 8-Foot Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Proper disposal of 8-foot fluorescent light bulbs requires a lot more than finding a large enough trash bin. Fluorescent bulbs contain high levels of mercury, which is why disposing of an 8-foot fluorescent bulb at a landfill is illegal. Federal law mandates that all mercury-containing products, including fluorescent bulbs of any size, be properly disposed of through a Universal Waste vendor.

Instructions

• 1

  Inform the disposal management or maintenance team at your firm of the damaged light. Federal regulations categorize businesses and organizations as either Small Universal Waste generators, meaning they dispose of less than 5 kg at one time, or Large Universal Waste generators that dispose of more than 5 kg at a time. If your firm is categorized as a Large Universal Waste generator, the waste management division will need to complete additional paperwork before storing the damaged bulb.

• 2

  Obtain a large sealable container appropriate for pre-disposal storage. Never store fluorescent bulbs or any hazardous waste in a custodial closet or back room where they can leak hazardous waste or accidentally break.

• 3

  Find someone trained in Universal Waste disposal to pack the damaged lights properly into the storage containers. Avoid breaking the glass, which will release mercury gas into the air and never store Universal Waste for more than one year to prevent item decomposition and leaking.

• 4

  Mark the sealed container with a purple Universal Waste sign and label the contents "Universal Waste Lamps." If there are additional Universal Waste items already in the container, add "used lamps" to the existing label rather than applying a new one.

• 5

  Contact your firm's Universal Waste vendor and request a pickup. Organizations and businesses typically have a contract with a company certified in the proper disposal of Universal Waste. Check with your state guidelines for contacts and specifics regarding Universal Waste at the Fed Center state resources page (See resources.).