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Fact Sheet - Fluorescent Lamp Tubes and Ballasts

Fact: Fluorescent lamps and High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps are highly efficient, energy saving light fixtures used throughout campus. Each year the University replaces over 50,000 of these lamps.

Fact: Although these lamps are environmentally friendly because of their energy efficiency, their mercury content prohibits them from being disposed in a municipal solid waste landfill.

Source Reduction: Fluorescent lamp manufacturers have significantly reduced the amount of mercury in lamps as well as increased their energy efficiency. Between 1985 and 1995 mercury content in lamps dropped 35%. Even though fluorescent lamps are efficient, it is still important to turn off the lights when they are not in use so that we do not use as many lamp tubes.

Procedure for Recycling Fluorescent Lamp Tubes at UNC

1. Remove new fluorescent light tube or HID lamp from the carton.
2. Remove spent fluorescent light tube or HID lamp from the light fixture.
3. Place spent fluorescent light tube or HID lamp into the new lamp tube carton.
4. Remove the paper spacers from the carton.
5. Label the carton "spent lamp tubes."
6. Deliver the carton to the Radiation Storage Building, located adjacent to the new Environment, Health and Safety Building and Surplus Property for recycling. Ring the bell for access.
7. If your office has a large amount of lights please take them to the Radiation Storage Building, located adjacent to the new Environment, Health and Safety Building and Surplus Property. Ring the bell for access. If you have questions, please contact Steve Parker 962-5509 or Mike Long 962-5723. (updated 12/08/06 blt)

Procedure for Recycling Ballasts at UNC

1. Used Ballasts should be delivered to the University’s Hazardous Materials Facility located near Environment, Health and Safety Building and Surplus Property. Ring the bell for access.  Ballasts are accepted only when an attendant is available.  Do not leave ballasts outside the fence or with non-EHS personnel.
2. If you have questions, please contact Mike Long 962-5723. (updated 12/08/06 blt)

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