A lighting upgrade will most likely require the removal and disposal of lamps and ballasts. Group relamping every several years, and occasional spot relamping as necessary, will also create additional lamp waste. Some of this waste may be hazardous. As the waste generator, you must manage it according to applicable federal, state, and local requirements. While your specific requirements and your selected disposal options will determine the expense, it is important to note that disposal costs are rarely a “deal breaker” in a lighting upgrade. Typically, disposal costs constitute a very small percentage of the overall life-cycle costs of operating a lighting system. Investigate and budget for these disposal costs both as a first cost during the upgrade and as an ongoing operation and maintenance expense.

Many lamps contain mercury, and are therefore considered hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). A added hazardous waste lamps to the universal waste program. universal waste lamps include fluorescent, high intensity discharge, neon, mercury vapor, high pressure sodium, and metal halide lamps. Visit EPA’s online RCRA Web site at www.epa.gov/rcraonline/ for more details. Recycling spent mercury-containing lamps is an alternative disposal method. The National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association (NEMA) encourages this practice and offers information on a website www.lamprecycle.org designed specifically to address lamp recycling issues.

The proper method for disposing of used ballasts depends on several factors, such as the type and condition of the ballasts. Generally, ballasts manufactured after 1978 contain the statement “No PCBs” and have not been found to contain PCBs. The disposal of Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) is regulated under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). nformation regarding the disposal of PCBs can be found on the PCB Home Page at www.epa.gov/pcb. Additional information can be obtained from the TSCA Hotline, which is reachable by phone at (202) 554-1401 or by e-mail at tsa-hotline@epa.gov.  Other factors controlling the disposal of ballasts will depend on the regulations and recommendations in effect in the state(s) where you remove or discard them.  Check with regional, state or local authorities for all applicable regulations in your area.

If you generated lighting material wastes, you are responsible for managing its disposal according to federal, state, and local laws or requirements.