Fluorescent lamps require proper disposal

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman R. J. BIERMANN
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Luke Air Force Base received a Notice of Violation from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality after an inspection cited improper management of fluorescent lamps. Additionally, an unnamed Air Mobility Command base may face a $7,000 fine after a recent environmental inspection found the base's members did not handle and dispose of fluorescent lamps properly. 

Luke Air Force Base officials want to make sure its members know these rules to maintain compliance with environmental regulations that govern these mercury containing lamps. 

"Fluorescent lamps contain mercury and are regulated as hazardous waste to prevent the release of mercury into the environment and to protect human health," said Jeff Rothrock, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron Natural Resource Management chief. "Proper handling and disposal is important to protect our own safety and ensure compliance with hazardous waste regulations." 

Several of the wing's personnel noted, during the inspection, they were unaware of any special handling requirements for the used lamps. 

The specific policies and procedures for fluorescent lamp use and disposal is provided to assist Luke members. 

1. All offices that accumulate spent fluorescent lamps must label the storage box as Universal Waste - Lamp(s), Waste Lamp(s) or Used Lamp(s). 

2. Used, intact fluorescents must be put in a container and dated. Broken lamps must be put in a sealed container and dated. The date is the date the accumulation started. 

These dates must be tracked to ensure the waste is not on-site for more than one year. 

In the event an office must clean up a broken fluorescent lamp, take the following steps:
·Before clean-up, air out the room by opening a window and turning off the centralized heating and air system. 

·Vacate the room for 15 minutes or more and stop traffic flow within the area, so the waste isn't tracked out. 

When cleaning hard surface areas: 

·Carefully scoop up the glass pieces and powder using stiff paper or cardboard. Use duct tape to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder. 

·Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes. 

·Place the waste and cleanup items into a glass jar securely fastened with a metal lid or in a sealed plastic bag. 

When cleaning carpet or rug: 

·Carefully pick up glass fragments. Use duct tape to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder. 

·If vacuuming is needed, after all visible materials are removed, vacuum the area where the bulb was broken. 

·Place the waste and cleanup items (including vacuum bag) in a glass jar with a securely-fastened metal lid or in a sealed plastic bag. 

For more information regarding hazardous waste and disposal, call Luke's hazardous material management office at (623) 856-4748. For more information on fluorescent lamps, visit www.epa.gov/epawaste/hazard/wastetypes/universal/lamps/index.htm.