PURPOSE:

To ensure that all used, unbroken fluorescent bulbs be managed as “Universal Waste” under the E.P.A. regulations. These bulbs will be recycled as part of our continuing efforts for waste minimization.

SCOPE:

University-wide.

DEFINITION:

Fluorescent Lighting Waste refers to used fluorescent lamp bulbs that are spent, burned out or have been removed due to their low-level efficiency.

PROCEDURES:

Fluorescent bulbs may no longer be placed in the regular trash. Broken or damaged fluorescent bulbs must be treated as hazardous waste and will be managed as Hazardous Waste Unbroken used fluorescent bulbs will be managed as Universal Waste using the procedures described below:

1) Only trained maintenance personnel may change out fluorescent bulbs.

2) Used fluorescent bulbs will be placed back into original shipping container.

3) A “Universal Waste Fluorescent Light Bulb” label will be placed on the container and the date that the first bulb was put in the box will be filled in. (See Label below.)

“UNIVERSAL WASTE

FLUORESCENT LIGHT BULBS” Keep box closed.

Do not place outdoors.

Do not break bulbs.

Broken bulbs must be managed as hazardous waste.

DATE BULBS FIRST PUT IN BOX ___/___/___

4) The box will be kept closed when not adding bulbs to it.

5) Properly labeled full containers of spent bulbs will be taken to a Central Storage area.

6) At the Central Storage Area, full containers will be placed on a pallet, plastic wrapped and sent to the recycler. All containers must be recycled before one (1) year from start of accumulation date.

Managing Broken or Damaged Fluorescent Bulbs

1) Broken or damaged bulbs will be treated as hazardous wastes.

2) All the spill debris from broken or damaged bulbs must be cleaned up and placed in a sealed bag. The bag must be placed in a puncture-proof container (such as a cardboard box) and labeled “Hazardous Waste - Broken Fluorescent Light Bulb” and given to EHS.

TRAINING:

All maintenance workers, electricians and any other personnel who change out fluorescent light bulbs and their supervisors must attend training.

Initial training will be performed by EHS. Subsequent training and training of new employees will be performed by supervisors or other designated persons within the units and the documentation sent to EHS.

CONTRACTORS:

All contractors will be informed of this policy.