What are the proper recycling/disposal procedures for businesses under the Universal Waste Rule?
While disposal requirements for mercury-containing lamps vary from state to state, the federal Universal Waste Rule (see 40 CFR 273) lays out the following basic standards for handling spent lamps: • Used lamps that are accumulated for recycling should be stored in packaging that minimizes lamp breakage. Used lamps may be stored in drums, boxes, or the cartons they originally came in. The packaging must remain closed unless lamps are being added or removed. Any broken lamps must be stored separately in a sealed container. Used lamps must be clearly labeled as ;Universal Waste Lamps or Waste Lamps or Used Lamps. • Used lamps should be stored and handled in a way that prevents breakage. Any releases to the environment from broken lamps must be contained immediately and handled properly. Learn the best way to clean up a broken CFL or other mercury-containing bulb. • Businesses are responsible for educating their employees on the proper handling of used mercury-containing lamps and emergen
