Incineration of even a low-dosed mercury lamp results in more mercury being released into the environment than landfilling or reclaiming lamps with higher mercury levels. The vast majority of mercury emitted into the U.S. environment comes from fossil fuel-fired power generation plants and municipal waste incinerators, as well as certain natural sources. Some states and localities regulate the disposal of mercury-containing lamps regardless of their hazardous status. Dealing with the issue Now that you have all the facts, here's our recommended strategy for end users. First, analyze your lighting systems to be sure that they are optimized for your business objectives.
Good lighting makes any facility more attractive, enhances merchandise and can improve productivity.
You might also consider products with increased service life which can have a significant effect on relamping and disposal costs. The third step is to ensure compliance with all state and local regulations. You also need to consult with local environmental and solid waste authorities regarding your disposal options. When hiring any disposal service, be sure to check their environmental audits and any other licenses or bona fides. Finally, we recommend that no mercury-containing lamps be incinerated.