Mercury is an element that occurs naturally, though rarely, in the surface of the earth. Though a metal, mercury is a liquid at room temperature. It has many practical uses. Mercury has often been used in certain types of lightbulbs because of its ability to produce very bright light for long periods of time. It is important to note that legal parlance, the word “lamp” is typically used to denote what most people would describe as a lightbulb.
Although mercury can be useful, it is also dangerous. It is toxic to humans and can do damage to various systems in the body, including the digestive, immune, and nervous systems. The eyes, kidneys, lungs, and skin are particularly vulnerable to negative effects of mercury poisoning.
Many businesses and municipalities may have mercury-containing lamps in use, perhaps without realizing it. It is important to take care when replacing and disposing of mercury-containing lamps. Otherwise, there is a risk of exposure to the toxic element that could become a public health hazard.
Types of Mercury-Containing Lamps
There are two basic types of mercury-containing lamps: high-intensity discharge lamps and fluorescent lamps. Mercury is useful in high-intensity discharge lamps because of its ability to produce a very bright light. This property made them popular for street lighting, security systems, and large venues, such as indoor arenas or outdoor sports fields.
One particular type of HID lamp is the mercury vapor lamp. These contain the element in its gaseous state. Neon lights, such as those popular in bars and casinos, contain mercury vapor, as do certain street lamps. The government has taken steps to ban these lamps because the vapor they contain can be hazardous if it escapes the tube and is inhaled.
Though they work differently than HID lamps, fluorescent lamps also contain mercury. These include CFL bulbs and fluorescent tubes. Some manufacturers have produced low-mercury fluorescent lamps and tubes that are not subject to federal regulation of mercury-containing lamps. However, California state law requires all mercury-containing lamps and tubes to be handled as hazardous waste regardless of the actual content.
Challenges of Recycling Mercury-Containing Lamps
One of the biggest challenges involved in disposing of mercury-containing lamps of all types is the necessity of keeping them intact. If the bulb or tube becomes broken, the mercury could leak out. Those handling the lamps directly are at greatest risk of mercury poisoning, but others in the vicinity could be at risk of exposure and the negative health consequences that could develop.
The greater the volume of mercury-containing lamps to be disposed of, the greater the challenge it can pose. Small businesses typically need only deal with small numbers of spent bulbs and tubes at a time. For them, it is a simple matter of locating the local household hazardous waste collection center and taking the items there. However, larger businesses and municipalities must abide by rules governing universal wastes when disposing of mercury-containing lamps by taking them to facilities equipped to handle them.
Authorized Recycling Facility for Hazardous Waste
TechWaste Recycling is the solution for businesses and municipalities needing to dispose of mercury-containing lamps. Operating in Southern California for over 20 years, TechWaste Recycling subscribes to strict standards of Environmental, Health, and Safety.
TechWaste Recycling directly services all of Southern California and provides pickup services to its facilities from nationwide locations. Visit TechWaste Recycling’s website at www.techwasterecycling.com to schedule a pickup that works for your convenience and schedule.
Learn more about TechWaste’s secure recycling process here: Secure Recycling Services
Contact Info:
Richard Steffens
1940 E. Occidental street
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Phone: 866-637-8469
