Fluorescent and HID lamps are environmentally preferable because they are more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs, but they are still classified as a type of universal waste because they contain small amounts of mercury.
Due to their mercury content, mercury-containing lamps (even low-mercury green-tip bulbs) are prohibited from being discarded in the regular trash. While green tip bulbs contain less mercury than traditional fluorescent bulbs, they still contain mercury and must be disposed of by recycling.
Proper handling and recycling of mercury-containing lamps prevents mercury from entering the environment and posing undue health hazards.
types of mercury-containing lamps
materials of concern
disposal options
handling
procedures
ALSO SEE:
ballasts
safety training
citywide audit training
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