Department of Toxic Substances Control - Managing Waste Mercury Lamps

Managing Waste Mercury Lamps

This website outlines the proper management, recycling, and transporting of waste mercury lamps including fluorescent tubes and many types of street lights. Promoting waste mercury lamp recycling is part of the Department of Toxic Substances Control’s (DTSC) larger effort to eliminate sources of mercury entering the environment in California.

Lighting accounts for 25% of the electricity used in most homes and businesses and mercury lamps are the one of the most energy efficient lighting sources available.

Mercury lamps use 75% less energy than incandescent lights (light bulbs) and last approximately ten times longer. Although they cost more than light bulbs, their lower energy usage and replacement rates offer a significant cost savings to California home and business owners. Dependable lighting also results in a better environment for your family or business associates.

However, these lamps do contain mercury and therefore their disposal requires special attention.

Following these guidelines will help you avoid hazardous waste law violations.

The development of this website is funded by a grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

For questions about content, please contact the Public and Business Liaisons at (800) 72-TOXIC
(800-728-6942) or go to http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/ContactDtsc/duty_officers.cfm