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Pennsylvania Fluorescent Bulb Recycling Regulations

Quick Facts:

  • Due to mercury concerns, recycling fluorescent bulbs is highly recommended by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and is required for many facilities throughout the state
  • Crushing fluorescent bulbs is not allowed in Pennsylvania
  • Prepaid bulb recycling by mail is allowed in Pennsylvania

Recycling Options Available in Pennsylvania:

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

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

Detailed Pennsylvania 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 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.
Pennsylvania same Waste must go to RCRA Sub-C facility or state equivalent same No crushing allowed.

State Regulatory Contacts

Primary Contact Title Agency Address Phone E-Mail
Kevin Beer Solid Waste Program Specialist

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Waste Management,  Division of Hazardous Waste Management

P.O. Box 8471

Harrisburg, PA 17105

(717) 787-6239

kbeer@state.pa.us

Secondary Contact Title Phone Area of Responsibility
Melissa Gross Solid Waste Program Specialist Supervisor (717) 787-6239 Compliance & Information Management
  Recycling Toll Free 1-800-346-4242  

More Resources

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Web Links and Informational Resources
Lake Erie Mercury Pollution Prevention Fact Sheet http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/pollprev/p3erie/hs~mercbroch.htm
Guidance Document, Fluorescent Lamp Recycling  Click here
Universal Waste Rule http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/025/chapter266b/chap266btoc.html
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Home Page http://www.dep.state.pa.us/

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