Waste lamps include inoperable or broken electric lamps (or light 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 and require special management and disposal. Common types of lamps used by USPS® 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 bulbs. These include “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, and exterior lighting, such as peripheral security lighting, streetlights, and fuel island lighting. They may also be found in newer 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 like lead, chromium, or selenium. LED lamps are now available in 4-foot and 8-foot linear tube sizes. Multiple individual LED bulbs are typically used in LED lamps.
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.
Incandescent and halogen bulbs — which typically do not contain mercury or toxic metals and are non-hazardous — can be disposed of in the trash or dumpster.
USPS sites must store universal waste lamps in clearly labeled, closed containers and properly train employees to manage these wastes and maintain recycling records. Additionally, sites must arrange for universal waste lamp pick-up (or mailback) and subsequent off-site recycling within 1 year (365 days) of the original waste generation date. Per USPS policy, facilities that generate universal waste must also perform a monthly inspection of their universal waste storage accumulation area.
Important Safety Reminder: Do not send waste bulbs or lamps to the Atlanta Mail Recovery Center, Tampa/Ybor City Logistics and Distribution Center, or the Topeka Material Distribution Center.
USPS has contracts for universal waste management with Cleanlites Recycling, Inc. (Cleanlites). Recycling services are available in eBuy+ (search under catalog name USA Lamp and Ballast Recycling, Inc.) and include both mailback recycling containers and on-site waste pick-up.
For more information about recycling waste lamps:
n Review the Waste Lamp Management Environmental Compliance Bulletin at blue.usps.gov/sustainability/environmental/_pdf/waste/ecb-waste-lamps.pdf.
n Visit the Environmental Affairs Waste Light Bulbs and Lamps site page at blue.usps.gov/sustainability/bulb-recycling.htm.
n Consult your designated USPS Environmental Specialist at blue.usps.gov/sustainability/regional-environmental-compliance-all.htm.
— Environmental Affairs and Corporate Sustainability,
Corporate Affairs, 2-22-24
