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. The United States Postal Service (USPS®) uses the following lamps that must be managed as universal waste:
n Fluorescent Lamps (Linear, U-shaped, circular, CFL): These lamps are 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: These lamps are 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: These lamps are often used in large interior spaces with high ceilings, such as warehouses, and for 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: These 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. Multiple individual LED bulbs are typically contained in an LED lamp.
n Ultraviolet (UV) Lamps: These 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 that typically do not contain mercury or toxic metals and are non-hazardous — can be disposed of in the trash or dumpster.
Follow these requirements to manage and dispose of waste lamps:
n USPS sites must store universal waste lamps in clearly labeled, closed containers.
n Employees who manage and handle wastes must be trained.
n 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 and maintain recycling records.
n Facilities that generate universal waste must 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.
The Postal Service has contracts for universal waste management with Cleanlites Recycling, Inc. (Cleanlites). Recycling services are available in eBuy+ (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 and Standard Work Instruction at blue.usps.gov/sustainability/environmental/_pdf/waste/ecb-waste-lamps.pdf.
n Consult your designated USPS Environmental Specialist at blue.usps.gov/sustainability/regional-environmental-compliance-all.htm.
—Environmental Affairs and Corporate Sustainability,
Corporate Affairs, 2-6-25
