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FLUORESCENT FOR BUSINESSES

It saved you energy... now save it from the trash

SFEnvironment.org SHEDDING LIGHT ON FLUORESCENT

Fluorescent lamps are 3 to 5 times more The insides of T-8 and T-5 lamps are coated with efficient than incandescent lamps and rare-earth , which result in highly efficient can last 6 to 30 times longer. light output. The smaller diameter in T-8s and T-5s allows more usable light to exit the fixture. For new construction Fluorescent lamps were first developed in the late 1920s and specialty applications, consider T-5s. and, with recent improvements, produce the same amount of light as incandescent lamps while using about Look for Low : When a lamp breaks, goes 70 percent less electricity. They help reduce energy to the landfill, or gets incinerated, mercury and lead can consumption, which, in turn, helps reduce greenhouse be released into the environment. This may contaminate gas emissions, mercury, and other pollution that comes the air, surface water, or groundwater. The State of from energy production. Fluorescent lamps include: California has issued fish consumption warnings due to the common tube lamps found in almost every business, the high mercury levels found in the San Francisco Bay. circular or U-shaped tubes lamps, and the compact It is likely that some of the mercury in the Bay can be fluorescent lamps made specifically to replace attributed to improper disposal of mercury-containing incandescent lamps in the traditional screw-in fixtures. lamps and other human-made materials.

Choosing fluorescent lamps Because of these health and environmental risks, major manufacturers now produce fluorescent lamps Energy Efficiency: The most popular fluorescent lamp with less mercury than the older models. Low-mercury used today is the T-8. T-8 lamps are at least 10 percent lamps can be found or ordered in many hardware and more efficient than the older T-12s. T-8s also tend to lighting stores. For instance, “Alto” lamps have provide better light output with less and more the lowest mercury followed by Sylvania “Ecologic” GE natural color, and they last longer. To switch to T-8s, “Ecolux” and brands. In general, T-8s tend to have less users will need new electronic ballasts. The number 8 in mercury than standard T-12s. T-8 refers to the diameter of the lamp in eighths of an inch, so a T-8 is an inch wide. The most recent innova- Look for longer-lasting (24,000+ hours) T-8s tion is the T-5 lamp, which has a 5/8” diameter and 12 with the green tips. percent more efficient than the T-8. Recycling fluorescent lamps as Universal Waste • Recycling: Spent fluorescent lamps must be sent to an authorized recycling facility. All fluorescent lamps must be recycled. It is illegal to • Labeling and marking: Each container of waste dispose of them as regular trash. Spent fluorescent lamps must be labeled clearly. “Universal Waste: lamps are usually considered because Lamps,” “Waste Lamps,” or “Used Lamps” are of mercury and lead content. However, California acceptable. Each container must also indicate the recently adopted the Universal Waste Law that simplified start date of accumulation. the rules for handling spent fluorescent tubes, as long as they are recycled. • Accumulation Limit: Waste lamps may not be accumulated for longer than one year after generating Did you know? or receiving the waste. Contact the San Francisco Health Department’s Hazardous Materials Unified Program Ballasts manufactured before 1978 likely contain Agency at 252-3900 if your business requires more time. PCBs that can cause cancer and reproductive/ developmental problems. Therefore, PCB-containing • Prohibitions: Universal Waste may not be treated in ballasts must be disposed of as hazardous waste. any manner by a generator. If you deliberately destroy the lamp, it must be managed as hazardous waste. A business that generates more than 5,000 kilograms If the lamps are broken accidentally, repackage the (about 5 tons) of universal waste is classified as a lamp and manage it as universal waste. Cleanup Large Quantity Generator and must follow more material must be characterized as hazardous waste stringent standards. All other businesses must follow and handled accordingly. the Universal Waste Law requirements, some of which • Training: Employees must be trained on proper are summarized below. handling, packaging, storage, and labeling of This brochure does not include all the requirements; universal waste as well as how to respond to releases. please refer to the Department of Toxic Substances • Recordkeeping: All shipment and disposal records of Control for detailed information, www.dtsc.ca.gov. universal waste must be maintained onsite for three years.

Ballast Sign Exit Signs Recycling fluorescent lamps for businesses Other Mercury-Containing Products

If you are a small business in San Francisco and Neon Signs: Neon signs need to be disposed of as generate less than 100 kilograms (220 lbs) or hazardous waste because they can contain substantial 27 gallons per month of hazardous waste, you are amounts of mercury and lead. allowed to bring hazardous waste (and Universal Waste including spent fluorescent lamps) to Exit Signs: Conventional exit signs typically are lit by government-sponsored programs. San Francisco incandescent lamps. Some newer models use compact offers convenient pick-up and drop-off options. fluorescent lamps, which are more efficient, but the San Francisco businesses can call the numbers below lamps contain mercury and must be recycled at the end to see if they qualify and to set up an appointment: of their useful life. There are also tritium exit signs that contain radioactive material and cannot be disposed Drop-Off Program of at a hazardous waste facility. Please contact the (415) 330-1425 manufacturer for disposal procedures.

If you do not qualify as a small business or would To prevent pollution and reduce energy and maintenance like to request a pick-up, you can use the following costs, switch to non-mercury LED exit signs and advertising recycling centers* to recycle your fluorescent lamps: signs—you’ll save money, time, and energy! Please contact SF Environment at (415) 355-3700 for information on AERC, Hayward recycling of neon and exit signs and to see if you qualify (800) 628-3675 for free replacement signage. Morgan Environmental, Oakland (510) 267-0134 Recyclights West, Hayward 11 Grove Street San Francisco, CA 94102 (510) 782-8982 (415) 355-3700 SFEnvironment.org * Inclusion in this list does not imply an endorsement from the City and County of San Francisco, and the list may not The mission of SF Environment is to improve, enhance, represent all companies providing these services. For a and preserve the environment and to promote more extensive list, visit SFEnvironment.org. San Francisco's long-term environmental well-being.

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