Why do fluorescent lamps have to be recycled? Is it against the law to just throw the bulbs in the trash?
All fluorescent lamps contain mercury. When they are discarded, federal and state regulators assume that lamps are a hazardous waste. In most circumstances, waste lamp generators must manage, transport and recycle or dispose of lamps as a hazardous waste or comply with the more lenient Universal Waste Rule (UWR). The UWR provides streamlined regulations for the management and transportation of lamps. Exemptions The federal government and nearly all states strongly encourage the voluntary recycling of all fluorescent lamps. However, under the federal rules, management and disposal of lamps under certain conditions is not regulated.
Related Questions
- Compact fluorescent lamps contain mercury, a hazardous material, incandescent bulbs do not. If more compact fluorescent lamps are used, does it not mean more mercury pollution in the EU?
- Why do fluorescent lamps have to be recycled? Is it against the law to just throw the bulbs in the trash?
- Aren compact fluorescent lamps much more expensive than incandescent bulbs?
