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. Many types of waste lamps are regulated and are subject to strict waste management requirements.
Regulated lamps include spent or inoperable:
n Fluorescent Lamps: 4-foot and 8-foot linear, U–shaped, circular, and compact fluorescent (CFL) lamps, including “green-tipped” or “low-mercury” lamps.
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 liquid-crystal display (LCD) or digital light processing (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/or selenium. LED lamps are now available in 4-foot and 8-foot linear tube sizes. Note that multiple, individual LED bulbs are typically contained 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 lamps may also be used in “disinfection” and “germicidal” lighting systems.
The following procedures are required for USPS sites to ensure compliance with environmental regulations:
n Store regulated waste lamps in closed containers that are properly labeled (i.e., “Waste Lamps” or “Used Lamps”).
n Send regulated waste lamps offsite for recycling within 1 year of the start of accumulation.
n Recycle regulated waste lamps using one of the following services provided by Cleanlites Recycling, Inc. on eBuy+ (see USA Lamp & Ballast Recycling, Inc. catalog):
n Mailback services: Use the appropriate Cleanlites “LampMaster” recycling kit based on lamp type.
n Direct or onsite pickup services: Sites with large quantities of regulated waste lamps can schedule a direct pickup.
n Maintain shipment and recycling records.
n DO NOT send waste lamps to the Atlanta Mail Recovery Center, Ybor City Processing and Distribution Center (Tampa Logistics and Distribution Center), or the Topeka Material Distribution Center.
Note: Incandescent or halogen lamps that typically do not contain mercury or toxic metals and are non-hazardous, can be disposed of in the trash or dumpster.
For more information, go to the Waste Lamp Management Environmental Compliance Bulletin/Standard Work Instruction at blue.usps.gov/sustainability/environmental/_pdf/waste/ecb-waste-lamps.pdf or contact your USPS Environmental Specialist at blue.usps.gov/sustainability/regional-environmental-compliance-all.htm.
— Environmental Affairs and
Corporate Sustainability, 8-6-26
