How to Recycle Ballasts

Ballasts are often a component of light bulbs.

A ballast is a small electrical device, sometimes referred to as a control gear, that controls the current going through a circuit. Some are quite small and fit above light bulbs and other small electronics. They can contain toxins such as PCB and DEHP that can damage both the environment and people if dropped in a landfill. Recycle your ballasts rather than throwing them away.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic pail
• Plastic bag
• Plastic gloves

Instructions

1. Put the ballasts for recycling into a sealed plastic pail. If any of them are broken or leaking, use plastic gloves and put them into a sealed plastic bag.

2. Call Air Cycle at 800-909-9709 and ask about scheduling a pickup of your ballasts. If you have a small number, it may not do a pickup, so ask if it has a local recycling center you can take the ballasts to. Or fill out their online form for a shipping label to mail in the ballasts (see the Resources section).

3. Put the pail with the ballasts at the curb the night before Air Cycle's pickup time. Or drive it to its local location or suggested recycling center.

References

• Air Cycle: Ballast Recycling

Resources

• AirCycle: EasyPak Sustainable Program