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Environmental Health and Safety

Lamps

Federal definition: A lamp is the bulb or tube portion of lighting devices including but not limited to fluorescent, High Intensity Discharge (HID), neon, mercury-vapor, high-pressure sodium, and metal-halide—that are discarded as waste.  
Why they're regulated: These lamps contain mercury, a known neurotoxin, and if broken, can release hazardous vapors that contaminate soil, water, and air.  EPA website.  

Managing Lamps: Used lamps are accumulated by Building Services and the Electrical Shop and are collected by University Recycling. The lamps are segregated by type, placed into suitable containers, and properly labeled. There are designated lamp accumulation areas on campus. Recycling conducts lamp crushing using a bulb crusher and maintains quarterly reports sent into the IEPA.

Labels: Lamp waste container labels must include the following:

  • “Universal Waste – Lamps”
  • The date of the first bulb added to an empty container 

Storage: 

  • Store in closed containers that prevent breakage (e.g., fiberboard boxes, plastic drums).
  • Containers must be labeled and kept upright.
  • Must be clearly dated when the first lamp is added.
  • Waste lamps cannot be accumulated for more than one year. 

Broken Lamps: 

Broken lamps must be cleaned up immediately and handled as hazardous waste, not universal waste. EHS can be contacted for assistance with any spill, leak, or emergency by calling (309) 438-8325.  For serious emergencies, call 911.  

Broken Lamp Response Procedures:

  • Isolate the Area
  • Evacuate for at least 15 minutes
  • Increase air circulation if possible
  • Clean up carefully
  • Pick up glass and powder using cardboard or stiff paper
  • Use sticky tape to collect tiny fragments and powder
  • Wipe the area with a damp paper towel to remove remaining particles
  • Place all materials (glass, tape, towels) into a seal-tight bag, then place that inside a rigid container
  • Label container: “Broken Mercury-Containing Lamp – Universal Waste”
  • Call EHS at (309) 438-8325 to pick up the waste
  • Store in a secure, ventilated area designated for universal waste until proper disposal. 

What NOT to do:  

  • Do not store lamps in open boxes or uncovered bins.
  • This increases the risk of breakage and mercury exposure.
  • Do not throw used lamps in regular trash.
  • This is illegal and can result in mercury being released into the landfill or air.
  • Do not stack lamps loosely or tape them together.
  • They may crack or shatter, exposing mercury vapor.
  • Do not delay labeling or dating the container. Every container must be labeled immediately and include the date the first bulb was added. The lamp waste container must be emptied within one year of the first bulb being added.