King County Environmental Purchasing Program

Introduction

Fluorescent lamps are one of the most energy efficient lighting sources available. They use one-quarter of the energy used by incandescent lamps for the same amount of light and last as much as ten times longer. However, they contain mercury, which is highly toxic to the human nervous system. It also is persistent and can bioaccumulate in fish and birds when it is released to the environment. When fluorescent lamps are recycled, the component parts can be separated and any hazardous materials can be managed properly to avoid any environmental contamination.

Regulations

Nationally, about 600 million lamps are disposed of annually, most to solid waste disposal facilities, including landfills and solid waste incinerators. In King County, landfills and transfer stations do not accept any mercury-containing lamps.

Rules from the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE), and local government (including King County) affect how businesses dispose of used fluorescent lamps. Fluorescent lamps are considered a "Universal Waste" and businesses are required to recycle or dispose of them properly through a licensed hazardous waste disposal company, not at the landfill.   Please follow this link to see the Washington Administrative Code (WAC).

EPA states that "universal wastes are usually items commonly thrown into the trash by households and small businesses (such as batteries, thermostats, fluorescent lamps and obsolete agricultural pesticides). Although handlers of universal wastes must meet less stringent standards for storing, transporting, and collecting wastes, the wastes must comply with full hazardous waste requirements for final recycling, treatment, or disposal. This management structure removes these wastes from municipal landfills and incinerators, which provides stronger safeguards for public health and the environment."

King County's Waste Acceptance Rules (PUT 7.1.4) echo the federal and state level rules:

6.16 Fluorescent lights and ballasts are accepted under the following conditions:

Fluorescent lights and other Universal Waste Lamps are not accepted from commercial customers. Call (206) 296-4466 for information on lamp recycling. Recycling is recommended for all commercial and residential lamps containing mercury, including low-mercury lamps that pass the federal TCLP standard. Low-mercury lamps may be accepted at KCSWD facilities when accompanied by a Waste Clearance Decision.

Fluorescent light ballasts that indicate "contains no PCB’s" may be disposed at KCSWD facilities. Ballasts without this information must be tested for the presence of PCB’s, and are accepted only with a Waste Clearance Decision.

**Please note that rules in your area may differ, please check your local jurisdiction for more information

Usage History and Experience

Alternatives to landfill disposal of fluorescent lamps are important, as federal, state, and local regulation of mercury disposal is increasing, because these often contain significant amounts of mercury and other toxic materials. In the year 2000, King County established a contract for recycling waste lamps, including fluorescent tubes and high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps. In 2005, Airport, Facilities Management and Transit Divisions, the Department of Natural Resources and Parks and the Department of Transportation used this contract to recycle various types of lamps, including 22,650 straight fluorescent tubes, over 3,000 compact fluorescent lamps, and almost 1,700 HID lamps.

Bid and Contract Language

King County now uses (as of 2/1/2007) the State of Washington contract for these services. To view King County's expired contract, which used the City of Seattle's bid document, follow this link.

State of Washington Contract

Contract #11601 - Spent Lighting, Computer and Electronic Equipment Collection, Reuse, Recycling and Disposal Services

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