Proper Way to Dispose of Metal Halide Lamps

Metal halide lamps have bulbs that contain mercury, which enables them to use 75 percent less energy and last up to 10 times longer than regular lightbulbs. Metal halide bulbs are considered hazardous waste because they contain mercury which makes disposing of them safely a tricky endeavor. Mercury exposure can lead to serious environmental and health effects.

Safe Handling of Burnt-Out Metal Halide Lamps

• Although the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires only commercial entities to dispose of metal halide and other mercury-containing bulbs the same way as hazardous waste, many states now have regulations for household disposal as well. You'll need to find out what your state environmental regulatory agency mandates regarding disposal of metal halide lamps. To find your state's environmental agency, visit http://www.epa.gov/epahome/state.htm.

  Despite what disposal methods your state environmental agency requires, safe handling of spent metal halide bulbs is essential to your own health. Never break or crush the metal halide bulbs, because this will release the mercury and contaminate the entire area. You must store the burnt-out lamp in a box or container that will help to prevent the bulb from breaking.

Recycling Metal Halide Bulbs

• When you throw away metal halide bulbs in the trash, they will likely end up in a landfill or incinerator -- both dangerous options for mercury-containing waste. Most general waste management agencies use compactors, which will crush the bulbs, releasing the mercury into the environment.

  The EPA recommends that all metal halide and other mercury-containing bulbs are recycled, even if your state doesn't require you to do so. You should dispose of the metal halide lamp with your area's household hazardous waste collection. Alternatively, your local recycling center may accept the spent metal halide lamp, if the center accepts hazardous waste. Some large commercial entities have teamed up with state environmental agencies to collect and properly dispose of mercury-containing bulbs as well. Take note that some recycling programs will require you to place the metal halide lamp in a special box before recycling it.

  If you contact your local or state environmental agency, you can find out what recycling options are available in your region. You can use the EPA's online tool that allows you to search for mercury-containing light bulb recycling programs in your area.

  If your area doesn't have any recycling or disposal options except for the general trash, seal the metal halide lamp in a heavy plastic bag before placing it in the garbage. You'll need to look for another option if your garbage goes to an incinerator.