Waste lamps include inoperable or broken electric lamps (or light bulbs). Waste lamps are a potential safety and environmental concern because they might 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 the United States Postal Service® (USPS®) that must be managed as universal waste include:
n Fluorescent Lamps (Linear, U-shaped, circular, CFL): 4-foot and 8-foot linear, U-shaped, circular and compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) 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 emit colors other than red use gases that might contain mercury.
n HID Lamps: High intensity discharge (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: Light-emitting diode (LED) lamps may contain federally regulated metals such as lead, chromium, and selenium. LED lamps are now available in 4-foot and 8-foot linear tube sizes. Typically, multiple, individual LED bulbs are in an LED lamp.
n Ultraviolet Lamps: Ultraviolet (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.
At USPS sites, you must:
n Store universal waste lamps in closed containers that are clearly labeled and properly train employees that manage or handle these wastes.
n 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.
n Maintain recycling records.
n If the facility generates universal waste, perform a monthly inspection of the universal waste storage accumulation area.
Important Safety Reminder: Do not send waste bulbs or lamps to:
n The Atlanta Mail Recovery Center,
n The Tampa/Ybor City Logistics and Distribution Center, or
n The Topeka Material Distribution Center.
USPS has contracts for universal waste management with Cleanlites Recycling, Inc. (Cleanlites). Recycling services are available in eBuyPlus (search under catalog name USA Lamp & 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 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, 8-8-24
