Fluorescent Lamp Recycling

Why recycle fluorescent lamps?

All fluorescent lamps contain Mercury and are regulated by the US EPA under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Spent fluorescent lamps may be considered a Hazardous Waste under these regulations depending on the amount of mercury contained in each lamp.

In 1999 the US EPA added Fluorescent Lamps to the “Universal Waste Regulations”. These regulations streamlined the environmental management process for collecting and recycling of these materials. However many States have adopted more stringent regulations regarding the disposal of fluorescent lamps. Improper disposal of fluorescent lamps by your business will create a financial environmental liability.

Lamp Recycling Process

The USA Lights Model 2000 Fluorescent & HID Lamp Processing Machine, used by ALR at its fully permitted and insured facility, is specifically engineered and built to meet strict operating standards. This equipment is a totally self-contained, continuous flow process for recycling all types of fluorescent & HID lamps. All lamp processing is completed as required under our NYS DEC operating guidelines.

Fluorescent lamps, compacts, U-lamps, circular & HID lamps enter the equipment through a negative air chamber where they implode releasing mercury impregnated phosphor powder and mercury vapor which is immediately captured and filtered through a continuous duty multi-stage system. Lamp components are subjected to air separation and are then further mechanically sized and separated by a sieving process. At the end of this process are 3 separate waste streams:

1. Metal end-caps and wires that are sent off for metals recycling.
2. Crushed glass which is used as an additive to asphalt.
3. Mercury impregnated phosphor powder which is sent out for retort, to recover the Mercury for resale as a commodity.

Why choose American Lamp Recycling?

American Lamp Recycling can provide a “Turnkey Environmental Management Service” for recycling your lamps. We assist our customers with setting up an EPA compliant “Universal Waste” recycling program that will provide you “Peace of Mind” and protect you from your financial environmental liability.

To learn more please call American Lamp Recycling at 1-800-315-6262 or visit www.AmericanLampRecycling.com