Skip to content
Buy 5 EasyPak Containers, Get 15% OFF with code "BUY5"
Buy 5 EasyPak Containers, Get 15% OFF with code "BUY5"

Wisconsin Fluorescent Bulb Recycling Regulations

Quick Facts:

  • Due to mercury concerns, recycling fluorescent bulbs is highly recommended by the Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources and is required for many facilities throughout the state
  • Prepaid bulb recycling by mail is allowed in Wisconsin
  • Crushing fluorescent bulbs is allowed in Wisconsin

Recycling Options Available in Wisconsin:

THE BULB EATER

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

Request Pricing
Learn More

EASYPAK RECYCLING CONTAINERS

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

Start Now

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
Learn More

 

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

Detailed Wisconsin 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.
Wisconsin same Waste must go to RCRA Sub-C facility or state equivalent same Same, and City of Madison ordinance mandates that fluorescent lamp retailers must 1) notify customers that landfilling not allowed, 2) take used lamps back, 3) get lamps recycled, and 4) file compliance plan. Penalties for violations.

State Regulatory Contacts

Primary Contact Title Agency Phone E-Mail
Jill Schoen Waste Management Specialist

Department of Natural Resources, Waste Management Program

P.O. Box 4001

Eau Claire, WI 54701

(715) 839-2788 jill.schoen@dnr.state.wi.us
Secondary Contact Title Phone Area of Responsibility
Cindy Moore Recycling Team Leader (608) 267-7550 Statewide

More Resources

Web Links and Informational Resources
Fact Sheet http://dnr.wi.gov/files/pdf/pubs/wa/wa195.pdf
Mercury Page http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/eh/mercury/cfl.htm
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Home Page http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/

Join thousands of subscribers for recycling, regulations, and lighting news and updates once a month!

"No more challenges with fluorescent bulb and mercury recycling. We use the EasyPak recycling program and it is very simple and convenient for us."

Jim Slager, Homer School District 33-C

"It’s easy to work with TerraCycle Regulated Waste. Their personnel are very friendly and knowledgeable about their products and the availability of them."

Alice Johnson, Eastern Ship Building

"I am very satisfied with all the services TCRW performs. They do what they say they are going to do, and they are here when they are scheduled to be here, and their paperwork is easy. Their representative is very helpful and informative about all phases of service."

Hector Rodriguez, Mission CISD

"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."

André Richardson Environmental Services, Auburn, AL