Recycle Fixtures, Ballasts and Bulbs

Lighting fixtures ballasts and bulbs can and should be recycled. The fixtures are primarily metal, steel, sometimes aluminum with some copper. Plastic lenses are usually not recyclable because of their content but the recycle decision should be left to the recycling facility.

During a remodel recycling fixtures and other building materials makes sense and can earn LEED points. One of the elements of sustainability is cradle to cradle thinking so recycling lighting fixtures simply makes sense.

Ballasts (Electronic and Magnetic)

Lighting ballasts can also be recycled. Electronic ballasts have a metal cover enclosing electronics that can be recycled much as computers, TVs and other electronic products.

Magnetic ballasts have materials that can be recycled as long as they do not contain PCB. (See Action 1) Ballast recyclers will be listed as such in an on-line search or the phone book.

Recycle Mercury Containing Bulbs

As with ballasts containing PCB, mercury containing bulbs should always be recycled rather than consigned to a landfill. Bulbs with mercury, fluorescent of all types, HID, and neon should never be sent to a municipal incinerator.

Recyclers are generally found in each major metropolitan area or at least within the region. The sustainable thing to do is to recycle locally to minimize transportation costs. Service Lamp has a recycling program if nothing is available in your area.

Why? Risk Management, Bragging Rights

Disposing of hazardous material in the proper manner is not only the right thing to do it can eliminate your risk in the event of contamination. The waste is yours and the liability stays with you under Federal law even if you pay someone to dispose of the material. Do it right and file the paperwork.

Doing things that are right for the environment and right for the sustainability of your business gives you bragging rights. Make sure that your sales associated know how to convey that story to your customers. Customers value sustainable efforts. Make sure they know of your good work.

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