Disposal of Sodium Vapor Lamps
Sodium vapor lighting is often used for outdoor lighting fixtures, security lighting and streetlamps. Because sodium vapor lamps contain mercury, they are considered a hazardous waste. Special care and precautions must therefore be taken when disposing of both whole and broken lamps. Disposing of a hazardous waste material improperly could result in a government fine. Disposal instructions differ between households and businesses. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Contact a recycling service near you. The Lamp Recycle Organization (link in resources), has a complete list of commercial lighting recyclers in the United States and Canada, as well as their contact information. Some commercial lighting recyclers may even have a pick-up and removal program.
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Review the United States Environmental Protection Agency website (link in resources), for a full list of mercury-containing light bulb collection and recycling programs. The EPA website allows you to click on your state to search for a program or center near you.
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Take the blown out bulbs from your sodium vapor lamps to a hardware or electronics store in your area that participates in a bulb recycling program. Stores like Lowes, TrueValue and Ace Hardware participate in lamp disposal programs, allowing customers to bring in their lamps and bulbs so they can be properly disposed of. Contact your local hardware store to ask if they participate in such a program and whether or not they accept drop-offs.
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Tips & Warnings
Store spent bulbs carefully prior to disposal. Improper storage could result in breakage and release of toxic mercury.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit lamp image by astoria from Fotolia.com
