Flourescent Lamp Recycling

Fluorescent lamps have helped the University significantly reduce energy consumption.  These tubes use one quarter the energy of incandescent lamps and last as much as ten times longer!  However, fluorescent lamps contain small amounts of mercury.  When broken or improperly disposed of, fluorescent lamps may release that mercury into the air, water and soil. 

The University of Oregon has a long history of collecting and recycling spent fluorescent light tubes.  And, while that practice began as a voluntary effort, it is now required and enforced by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).  Spent tubes are considered “universal waste” and regulations exist for the proper handling, storage and labeling of the tubes. 

If you have any questions regarding the following information, call EHS at 6-3192.

Safely Handle and Store Spent Lamps

Prevent exposure, save money disposing of higher-cost broken lamps and prevent breakage by storing and packing lamps safely.  The following guidelines will help you ensure that your handling and storage practice of spent light tubes is not only safe but also complies with DEQ regulations.

¨     Never leave spent lamps unattended or in a position where they could be easily broken e.g. leaning against a wall or in an unprotected manner. 

¨     Do not tape lamps together.

¨     Store boxes and/or containers in a dry place.

¨     Keep the container closed.  Even boxes formerly used for new tubes must have the tops of the box closed.  Failure to do so is viewed by as a violation of DEQ regulations. 

Protect Yourself

Generally, fluorescent tubes should pose little or no hazard but remember, broken lamps contain mercury and phosphorus and should be handled with caution.  In addition, a broken tube may cause the risk of being cut. 

Therefore it is important to: 

¨     Use disposable gloves. 

¨     When possible use a tool, such as a dust pan, to avoid picking up the broken glass with your hands. 

¨     If there is a risk of glass in the eye, wear goggles. 

¨     Wash your hands

¨    Call EHS at 6-3192 for collection. 

Properly Manage Broken Lamps

¨     Protect lamps from breakage.  Remove lamps carefully and store used lamps in a location and manner that will prevent breakage.

¨     Never break or crush lamps to consolidate.   

¨     Broken tubes can be recycled so DO NOT throw them in the trash.

¨     If lamps are accidentally broken, isolate the area and clean up all of the pieces of glass and metal.  Collect the pieces in a small bag, and then place the bag in a puncture resistant container.  Then, attach a chemical waste tag (provided by EHS) to the container and call EHS (6-3192) to pick up the material.  Do not wait until you have other materials for a waste pick up.

¨     If there are a large number of tubes broken at one time you may need to contact EHS for assistance in clean up. 

Properly Label Waste and Broken Tubes

Proper labeling is essential to informing others.  It is also required by Oregon DEQ regulations.  Clearly identify containers of used lamps.  For labeling, the terms “Universal Waste – Lamps” or “Waste Lamps” and the date the first tube was placed into the box must be used.  You cannot store the used bulbs for longer than one year.

For pre-printed labels, please contact EHS at 6-3192.