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Light Bulb Recycling

Electric lamps are identified by the EPA as Universal Wastes in 40 CFR Part 273 and by the State of Michigan in Public Act 451 Part 111. Alternative waste management standards have been established to encourage proper collection and recycling. The University of Michigan OSEH department coordinates the recycling of all types of bulbs on campus. Electric Lamps (light bulbs) include:

• Fluorescent
• Compact Fluorescent
• High Intensity Discharge
• Mercury Vapor
• Incandescent
• Sodium Vapor
• Neon
• U-tubes
• UV-bulbs
• Microscope bulbs

Why Recycle?
Light bulbs such as fluorescent tubes, compact fluorescent bulbs, U-tubes, high intensity discharge and mercury vapor contain some quantity of mercury-containing calcium phosphate powder. Mercury has been recognized as one of the primary pollutants of concern for Michigan. In fact, mercury is not just a Michigan concern but a national and global concern as well. The University of Michigan recycles light bulbs to help mitigate the potential for mercury to enter the environment. Even a small amount of mercury can be harmful as it builds up in fish and microorganisms and is the cause of Michigan’s state-wide fish consumption advisories. Mercury poisoning can cause central nervous system, kidney and liver damage in humans, and impaired child development.

Even light bulbs that do not contain mercury have value as a recyclable material. When light bulbs are spent, they must be removed from the fixture, properly packaged to prevent breakage, properly labeled, and stored in a designated area. The boxes are then picked up by a recycling vendor and transported to a recycling facility. Upon arrival, the bulbs are sorted and sent through a contained crusher where the glass, end caps and any mercury-containing calcium phosphate powder are segregated. The mercury is then recovered from the powder and carbon filters through a process called “retort.” The recovered mercury is reused in commercial applications. The aluminum end caps, wires and insulators are recycled as scrap metal, smelted and reused. Glass is marketed for use as aggregate in concrete and asphalt.

Mercury and Energy Conservation
Compact fluorescent light bulbs and fluorescent tubes do contain a very small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing. Compact fluorescent bulbs contain about 5 mg of mercury, about the amount that would cover the tip of a ballpoint pen. A four foot fluorescent tube averages between 15 and 25 mg of mercury. By comparison, mercury thermometers contain about 500 mg of mercury.

Mercury in the atmosphere can come from both natural and man-made sources. Coal-fired power plants are the largest man-made source as mercury that naturally exists in coal is released into the air when coal is burned to generate electricity. Coal-fired power generation accounts for roughly 40% of the mercury emissions in the U.S. The use of fluorescent lighting reduces power demand, which helps reduce mercury emissions from power plants.
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Energy Star

More information:

UM Guide to Energy-Efficient Lighting Energy Star

Disposal for Faculty and Staff:
Faculty and staff that may have desk lamps or other types of spent light bulbs may contact Zone Maintenance at 647-2059 for a pick-up. Zone Maintenance will collect the bulb next time they are in the building, usually within a few business days.

Disposal for Students
Students may submit a "Fix It" Maintenance Request to replace and dispose of light bulbs. For assistance contact your Building Facility Manager.

Disposal for Laboratories
Laboratories that send out chemical waste through OSEH HazMat may also send light bulbs through HazMat. Typical types of bulbs that laboratories may generate include UV lamps, germicidal lamps, projector lamps, microscope lamps and other specialized lamps in laboratory equipment.

Proper Packaging and Labeling for Zone Maintenance

• All bulbs should be carefully packaged to minimize breakage during transportation. Repackage bulbs in original boxes, if possible, and seal on both ends.
• Fill entire box with bulbs to prevent breakage:
  
• Boxes for 4’ and 8’ bulbs are available for pickup at the Bulb Trailer and at OSEH’s North Campus Facility at 1655 Dean Road, 763-4568.
• Bulbs must be stored in a secure, dry location. Bulbs may not be stored outside at any time.
• ALL BULBS must be labeled as "Universal Waste Electric Lamps" with the box accumulation start date. Also include the building name, type of bulbs and quantity of bulbs in box. If the type of bulb is not listed on the label, please indicate the type in the "Other" category box. Labels are available at NCTF, the Bulb Trailer, CSSB or by contacting Environmental Stewardship.

  NOTE: Labeling is a regulatory requirement so compliance is imperative. Type and quantity are needed because the University is charged per bulb and by type.

• Bulbs may not be accumulated for longer than one year. It is suggested that bulbs only be stored for 10 months or less to ensure compliance.

Disposal for Zone Maintenance

• Bulbs are picked up by a recycling vendor on the last Friday of every month. Transport bulbs to the Bulb Trailer located in the northeast corner of the Transportation Lot (inside the fenced area).
  Bulbs are also picked up from four other designated accumulation areas around campus:
• Hospital Dock 5
• Medical School Dock 2
• Dental School Dock
• Phoenix Lab Greenhouse
• Bulbs should not be stored outdoors such as at the Dental Dock or Dock #2; bulbs should only be transported to these areas the day before pick-up by the recycling vendor. For special pick-ups, contact Megan Loll at 936-5238. To be included on an email list to receive pick-up scheduling information, email meglazar@umich.edu. Labels must be fully completed prior to transportation.
• Stack boxes so that the label is clearly visible during storage. Place boxes by bulb type in the Bulb Trailer as indicated by the posted signs.
  
• Do not stand boxes on end to help prevent breakage.
• Do not tape bulbs together. This results in extra charges from our recycling vendor.
• If palleting and shrinkwrapping, please create a new label with the total number of each type of bulb

If a Bulb Breaks

1. Immediately begin clean-up procedures.
2. Mercury-containing bulbs: Collect broken pieces wearing disposable gloves. Carefully scoop up the fragments and powder using cardboard or stiff paper. Do not the vacuum the area. Use a damp rag or paper towel to do a final wipe of the area. Place broken pieces, gloves and paper towel into a plastic-lined box OR place the entire box inside a plastic bag. Completely seal the plastic bag with strong tape to ensure no material can escape. Wash hands.
   [Note: If bulb breaks on carpet or if a large number of bulbs have been broken, contact OSEH Hazardous Materials Management at 763-4568 for clean-up]

   Non-mercury bulbs: Collect broken pieces with a broom and dustpan being careful not to cut yourself on any sharp edges. Place in a puncture-proof container.

3. Complete and affix a Universal Waste Electric Lamps label. Identify the contents of the box as "Broken Bulbs" in the "Other" Category.

Ballasts
Please contact OSEH Hazardous Materials Management at 936-5238 to coordinate pick-ups for ballasts.

Printable Handout "Pollution Prevention: Light Bulb Recycling"

If you have a general question or comment about the department, or are unsure who in OSEH to contact, click here and your question will be directed appropriately.