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Colorado Fluorescent Bulb Recycling Regulations

Quick Facts:

  • Due to mercury concerns, recycling fluorescent bulbs is highly recommended by the Colorado Dept. of Public Health and Environment and is required for many facilities throughout the state
  • Crushing fluorescent bulbs is allowed in Colorado
  • Crushed bulbs are considered universal waste in Colorado
  • Prepaid bulb recycling by mail is allowed in Colorado

Recycling Options Available in Colorado:

THE BULB EATER

Crushes fluorescent lamps of any size while removing mercury vapors. Reduces labor, recycling costs, and storage vs. packing lamps

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EASYPAK RECYCLING CONTAINERS

Fill up containers with bulbs, ballasts, batteries, or e-waste at your own pace and mail back via prepaid shipping

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BULK RECYCLING PICKUPS

For larger amounts of bulbs, ballasts, batteries, or e-waste. Trucks come pick up waste at your location for recycling

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Questions about recycling in your state? Contact us for more information. 

Detailed Colorado Fluorescent Bulb Recycling Regulations

The stringency table below provides examples of state regulations compared to the EPA regulations. We strongly recommend that you discuss stringency with your primary state regulatory contact. This information should not be interpreted as definitive legal guidance. This document was produced in June 2004, and we do not guarantee its accuracy after that date, as state policies may change at any time.

Confused about terminology (CESQG, UW, TCLP, etc.)? Refer to this glossary for help.

Jurisdiction Generator Exemption
(CESQG)
Where can waste from CESQG go? Can the waste be declared non- hazardous, based on TCLP? Other stringency or exemptions?
Federal EPA Generators producing less than 100 kg (220 pounds) of hazardous waste (HW) or 1 kg acute HW in each month, including all HW generated. CESQGs are exempt from federal rules, but not exempt from liability (40 CFR 261.5) Waste may go to any Municipal Solid Waste Landfill (MSWLF) Wastes that test less than 0.2mg/l soluble mercury are not considered hazardous under federal rules. Crushing can only be done by generator (40 CFR 262.34); crushed waste that is not UW- must be managed as RCRA HW. Crushing not allowed within federal UWR, but may be within State UW regulations. No one may crush third-party lamps without treatment authorization [1]. No mobile treatment units.
Colorado CESQGs must identify their HW Waste must be recycled or go to RCRA Sub-C facility same Crushing by generator allowed as UW.

State Regulatory Contacts

Primary Contact Title Agency Address Phone E-Mail
  Customer Technical Assistance

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division

4300 Cherry Creek Dr S

Denver, CO 80246

(303) 692-3320 comments.hmwmd@state.co.us
Secondary Contact Title Phone Area of Responsibility
   Toll Free Number 888-569-1831 ext. 3320  

More Resources

Web Links and Informational Resources
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division Home Page www.cdphe.state.co.us/hm/
Compliance Bulletin June 2003 - Universal Waste Rule www.envcap.org/statetools/uwrl/couwr.pdf
Compliance Bulletin March 2012 - Lighting Wastes www.colorado.gov/pacific/sites/default/files/HM_hw-hg-lighting-wastes.pdf

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Jim Slager, Homer School District 33-C

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"Excellent value for the money. The Bulb Eater® has immediately helped us reduce lamp storage and create a safer storage environment, while allowing us to add another item to our waste reduction efforts in the City of Auburn."

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