Iowa Fluorescent Bulb Recycling Regulations
Quick Facts:
- Due to mercury concerns, recycling fluorescent bulbs is highly recommended by the Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources and is required for many facilities throughout the state
- Crushing fluorescent bulbs is allowed in Iowa
- Prepaid recycling by mail is allowed in Iowa
Recycling Options Available in Iowa:
THE BULB EATER
Crushes fluorescent lamps of any size while removing mercury vapors. Reduces labor, recycling costs, and storage vs. packing lamps
EASYPAK RECYCLING CONTAINERS
Fill up containers with bulbs, ballasts, batteries, or e-waste at your own pace and mail back via prepaid shipping
BULK RECYCLING PICKUPS
For larger amounts of bulbs, ballasts, batteries, or e-waste. Trucks come pick up waste at your location for recycling
Questions about recycling in your state? Contact us for more information.
Detailed Iowa Fluorescent Bulb Recycling Regulations
The stringency chart 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.
("same" means the state policy is the same as the federal policy)
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 not allowed as UW. Can only be done by generator (40 CFR 262.34); crushed waste not UW- must be managed as RCRA HW. No one may crush third-party lamps without treatment authorization [1]. No mobile treatment units. |
| Iowa | same | Waste must be disposed of through a hazardous waste contractor or at a regional collection center. | same | same |
State Regulatory Contacts
| Contact | Title | Agency | Phone | |
|
Primary: Susan Johnson |
Environmental Specialist |
Department of Natural Resources, Energy and Waste Management Bureau 502 East 9th Des Moines, IA 50319 |
(515) 281-3426 | susan.johnson@dnr.iowa.gov |
|
Secondary: Theresa Stiner |
Environmental Specialist |
Department of Natural Resources, Energy and Waste Management Bureau 502 East 9th Des Moines, IA 50319 |
(515) 281-8646 | theresa.stiner@dnr.iowa.gov |
| Department of Natural Resources Main Number | 515-281-7982 | Special waste authorization; fluorescent lamp questions. | ||
More Resources
| Web Links and Informational Resources | |
| Iowa Waste Reduction Center | http://www.iwrc.org/ |
| Iowa Department of Natural Resources Home Page | http://www.iowadnr.com/ |
| Federal EPA Fluorescent Lamp Recycling Web Page | https://www.epa.gov/osw/hazard/wastetypes/universal/lamps/index.htm |
