Waste lamps include inoperable or broken electric lamps or bulbs. Waste lamps are a potential safety and environmental concern because they may contain mercury or other toxic heavy metals. For this reason, several types of waste lamps are regulated as universal waste.
Since they contain toxic materials, universal waste lamps have specific federally mandated management and recycling requirements. Postal Service™ sites must store universal waste lamps in closed containers that are clearly labeled and properly train employees that manage these wastes. Additionally, sites must arrange for universal waste bulb and lamp pick-up (or mailback) and subsequent off-site recycling within 1 year (365 days) of the day the wastes were generated. Employees must also maintain accurate recycling records.
Common types of lamps that must be managed as universal waste include:
n Fluorescent lamps. This category includes 4-foot and 8-foot linear, U-shaped, circular, and compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs. Also included are “green-tipped” or low-mercury lamps, which must be managed the same as other fluorescent lamps.
n Neon lamps. Often used in brightly colored signs, neon lights that emit colors other than red use gases that may contain mercury.
n High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps. HID lamps are often associated with large interior spaces with high ceilings, such as warehouses, exterior lighting, peripheral security lighting, streetlights, and fuel island lighting. They may also be found in motor vehicle headlights, as well as LCD or DLP projection television sets or projection displays.
n LED lamps. LED lamps may contain federally regulated metals, such as lead, chromium, or selenium. LED lamps are now available in 4-foot and 8-foot linear tube sizes and as replacements for traditional incandescent lamps and CFLs. Note that multiple, individual LED bulbs are typically contained in an LED lamp.
n Ultraviolet (UV) lamps. UV lamps emit high intensity UV light. Small UV lamps may be present in USPS® mail sorting automation platforms, such as the Advanced Facer Canceler System. UV bulbs may also be used in disinfection and germicidal lighting systems.
Important Safety Reminder: Do not send waste bulbs or lamps through the mail to the Atlanta Mail Recovery Center or the Topeka Material Distribution Center.
The Postal Service has contracts for universal waste management with Cleanlites Recycling, Inc. (Cleanlites). The scope of services is available in eBuy+ and includes both mailback recycling containers and on-site waste pick-up.
For more information about waste management, check out the following guidance:
n Consult your designated environmental contact at blue.usps.gov/sustainability/contact.htm.
n Visit the Office of Sustainability Bulb/Lamp page at: blue.usps.gov/sustainability/bulb-recycling.htm.
— Environmental Affairs and Corporate Sustainability,
Corporate Affairs, 8-26-21
