How to properly dispose of fluorescent lamps: collection containers and export agreement

The need to recycle fluorescent lamps

The new light source has many advantages:

• their energy exceeds incandescent lamps by 4-5 times;
• soft light of several shades;
• long service life.

Despite their advantages, lamps have significant disadvantages. When working, they emit ultraviolet light. Doctors have long proven the harmfulness of these substances. They cause skin diseases such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis.

It is easy to notice that fluorescent lamps constantly flicker, which causes eye fatigue. This is especially harmful to children’s vision; it can significantly reduce it.

The composition of the lamps contains harmful impurities, so they must be disposed of.

Second life - crafts and toys

Since incandescent lamps are made without substances hazardous to human life and health and have an attractive shape, they are often used in various creative projects.

The most popular ideas for implementation:

• hanging mini garden,
• hanging and Christmas tree toys,
• floating vase,
• decorative containers,
• candlestick,
• decorative interior elements,
• mini terrarium.

Dangerous chemical composition

The lamp device operates on the basis of oxides of strontium, barium and gas, which are mixed with mercury. To make the lamp shine, a phosphor substance is applied inside. The brightness of the source depends on its thickness.

The lamp tubes are equipped with 3-4 g of mercury. Containing a hazardous component carries a health risk if damaged.

Important! Mercury belongs to class 1 hazardous substances.

The spill poses a major threat to the environment. Mercury accumulates in the soil, permeates groundwater, flows from it into water bodies, and infects fish. Therefore, it becomes obvious that fluorescent lamps must be recycled.

Why recycle fluorescent lamps

The main task of recycling and subsequent processing is to safely obtain materials from used lamps for the purpose of subsequent production of new products. That is, the glass of the flask is put back into use, turns into a glass flask, and metal parts made of aluminum and brass become parts of microcircuits and various structural elements. Therefore, the question of where to put the waste is completely clear to many.

The disadvantage of fluorescent lamps is mercury vapor, which is contained in small quantities inside the bulb. But without them, the light source simply will not work, and you have to put up with this disadvantage. If such a lamp breaks, harmful substances come out and pollute the environment. Therefore, they are considered highly hazardous waste and cannot be disposed of in a regular trash container.

Lamps containing heavy metals

Heavy metals include chemical elements that are very toxic. When they enter a living organism, they cause damaging damage. Exceeding the concentration of substances causes skin hyperpigmentation, cancer, loss of vision, liver and kidney diseases.

LED equipment

Diode-powered technology is considered the safest of all existing ones. Recycling LED lamps does not require strict regulations. They can be disposed of as solid waste.

Devices equipped with red LEDs, such as those used in holiday lights or car brake lights, contain high levels of lead and arsenic. Therefore, their destruction differs from conventional diode devices.

Laptops, televisions, and computers also contain a small number of heavy metals.

Accumulation lamps

A conventional incandescent light bulb runs on a tungsten filament. This is a refractory material that heats up at temperatures above 3000˚C.

In addition, it contains tin for soldering contacts, galvanized metal for the cartridge and copper. Today, incandescent lamps are in first place in terms of safety.

Halogen lighting fixtures

Halogen-type devices have excellent luminous qualities. During their service life, they do not change their brightness, which contributes to savings.

The devices contain chromium, bromine and fluorine. They are installed in floodlights and street lamps. The brightness of the illumination depends on the tungsten filament, which is reflected by a metal reflector.

Reference. Halogen floodlights are used by naval and military units.

Among the equipment, metal halide devices are distinguished. They belong to the gas-discharge group. Contains volatile mercury and particles of other metals.

Destruction technology

Fluorescent lamps are one of the dangerous devices. They should not be thrown into a trash bin or container. Only recycling using technology will protect against mercury vapor poisoning.

There are two disposal methods. The method used previously was to wash all components with water. During further processing, the chemical components were separated from it and used to produce a new material.

Improvements in technology have opened up new solutions for the disposal of waste hazardous waste:

• lamps are crushed;
• harmful substances are removed from the mixture using high pressure air;
• the remaining composition is brought to a boil in special containers;
• Mercury is separated from the cooled liquid for secondary use.

It is strictly prohibited to carry out such actions on your own.

Important! If only 1 device is damaged, a room with a volume of up to 5000 m3 will be contaminated.

Where to submit?

Mercury-containing lighting devices are subject to mandatory disposal or recycling, so at the end of their service life they must be handed over to special collection points. Each receiving point is equipped with a hermetically sealed container for storing fluorescent lamps, which prevents harmful components from entering the environment. Fluorescent lamps are picked up from the point by specialized recycling companies and taken to production sites, where they are crushed and subsequently subjected to thermal or chemical demercurization.

Large commercial and industrial companies enter into contracts for the export of fluorescent lamps directly with the contractor. They cooperate on a paid basis and work with large volumes of waste.

The following organizations accept used devices from the population:

• local management companies (housing office, residents' association, REU, etc.);
• environmental urban organizations;
• large shopping centers selling electrical or repair products.

If the lamp is damaged

The high efficiency of an energy-saving lamp does not guarantee its continued integrity. It's safe as long as it's whole. If the device breaks, there is a risk of mercury contamination. Urgent measures need to be taken.

Precautionary measures

Mercury vapor from lamps is more dangerous than the substance itself. They immediately enter the respiratory system and affect the body. The following actions are required:

1. Ventilate the room for 2 hours with the windows open.
2. Leave the premises with your pets.

Do not visit the contaminated area until it has completely evaporated.

Features of recycling

A damaged device cannot be thrown into the trash and must be disposed of. Actions must be carried out in compliance with safety rules:

• wear a mask and gloves;
• collect fragments and parts;
• remove mercury with a wet sponge;
• put in a bag and seal tightly;
• Treat surfaces with potassium permanganate;
• disinfect the soles of shoes with a chlorine solution;
• Pack the items used for cleaning in a sealed bag;
• take the packages to a hazardous waste container.

Forbidden:

• use a vacuum cleaner when cleaning;
• dispose through the toilet;
• work without a mask and gloves.

In the absence of special tanks, packaged packages are handed over to collection points.

Advantages of using energy-saving light bulbs at home

1. Low power consumption. Nowadays, the issue of paying for electricity is quite acute. The increase in average indicators for light is constantly growing, which cannot but disappoint.
2. Durability. Unlike incandescent lamps, which burn out constantly, energy-saving lamps are more durable - they last tens of thousands of hours.
3. Low heat transfer. With them you don’t have to worry about the chandelier or lamp melting.
4. Rich light output. In addition to low heat transfer, energy-saving lamps also boast rich light that is safe for the eyes.
5. Lighting according to our preferences. How much light can a room be illuminated using an energy-saving lamp? It can be warm, yellow light or cool white with a slight light blue tint. Every family has different preferences. But it is believed that yellow light is more suitable for apartments, and white is an office option.
6. Voltage drops in the network do not affect their durability.

Rules for transportation and disposal of fluorescent lamps

Fluorescent lamps should be transported in the same way as dangerous goods. Transportation rules are indicated in ADR. Transportation is carried out in a special container, which contains a danger sign and markings.

The speed of transport does not exceed 60 km/h. The route is laid at a distance from residential buildings. Before transportation, an agreement is drawn up with the organization providing such services. It should contain:

1. Name of the cargo.
2. The name of the organization that transports and processes waste.
3. Duties of the parties.
4. Price for transportation of mercury equipment.
5. Transportation procedure.
6. Unforeseen circumstances that may arise during transportation.

The car must be equipped with an alarm in case of mercury vapor.

Attention! All work is performed by qualified specialists licensed to transport dangerous goods.

If mercury-containing equipment is damaged at an enterprise, a responsible person is appointed who is responsible for temporary storage. Submit an application for demercurization of the building.

Store hazardous waste in a closed area where unauthorized persons are prohibited from entering. Self-disposal of damaged fluorescent lamps and other devices is not allowed. Special organizations, under a contract, transport them for recycling.

The collection point is far away

In large cities, collection points for used fluorescent lamps can be found quite easily. In some regions, there are even eco-mobiles that run along a pre-selected route and collect products for processing. But in small settlements it is sometimes difficult to do this; sometimes it is simply not possible to travel to a distant collection point.

In this situation, a special sealed container (polyethylene bag, container or box) is used in which mercury-containing elements are packaged. The rigid design should prevent depressurization of the packaging due to careless handling. It is then placed in a place inaccessible to small children and pets. It is better to choose a collection point in advance where to hand over harmful products at the first opportunity. Lamps can be stored in this way for up to six months.

Disposal cost

Services for the disposal of mercury-containing waste are provided on a commercial basis. The renting party pays.

Table No. 1

Recycling prices may vary by item.

How to get rid of it?

If the bulb of a mercury-containing lamp is damaged, you must:

• ensure ventilation of the room ;
• carefully collect large fragments ;
• small parts of the lamp with adhesive tape, disposable towels, napkins, and do not use a vacuum cleaner;
• carry out wet cleaning with chlorine-containing preparations.

Do not throw away the remains of mercury-containing lamps and materials used for cleaning along with household waste or flush them down the drain! Both broken and undamaged burnt-out lamps should be packed in a cardboard box and taken to special collection points.

You can donate the lamp to:

1. Special containers under the management company, DEZ, REU. Acceptance of lamps from the public is free .
2. Reception points for specialized organizations licensed to transport and dispose of hazardous waste.
3. Collection points at stores selling such lamps. The most famous are IKEA, “220 volts”. In many of these points you can not only return your old light bulb for free, but also get a discount on the purchase of a new lamp .

Organizations, as well as individual entrepreneurs, must enter into agreements providing for the disposal of hazardous waste (including devices containing mercury) with licensed enterprises.
For violation of these norms, a legal entity may be subject to a fine of up to 250 thousand rubles in accordance with the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation.

Organizations and reception points in major cities of Russia

So, where can you donate energy-saving lamps, and where are fluorescent lamps recycled in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities?

The list of such companies is given in the table:

Also, in many large cities of Russia, on the basis of environmental programs implemented by the authorities, there are “Ecomobiles” - mobile collection points for fluorescent lamps. These are vehicles equipped with special containers. They can also help with recycling your old car battery and batteries. Collection for disposal of mercury lamps is carried out according to the established schedule and route.

The average price for recycling a mercury-containing (mercury) lamp is usually from 15 to 30 rubles. for 1 piece, the cost of recycling other types of energy-saving light bulbs is not much different from these prices.

Closing of Ecostroy, and where else can you turn in St. Petersburg

State Unitary Enterprise Ecostroy, which is engaged in the recycling of mercury and energy-saving lamps in St. Petersburg and implements the Ecomobile program, has stopped accepting mercury-containing devices.
This happened in connection with the optimization carried out by the management of St. Petersburg.

The basis is the Decree of the Government of St. Petersburg dated 03/09/2017 No. 127 “On measures to improve public administration in the areas of improvement, environmental management and environmental protection and amendments to some resolutions of the Government of St. Petersburg”, more details here.

This document transfers all powers in the area of ​​functioning of the hazardous waste collection system to the Committee on Natural Resources, Environmental Protection and Environmental Safety.

In this regard, SUE Ecostroy is completing the provision of services to ensure the functioning of the system for collecting hazardous waste from the population of St. Petersburg from February 16, 2022.

Because of this, the Ecomobile program is terminated and the collection point of the State Unitary Enterprise Ecostroy is closed.

According to one of the city administration officials, the redistribution of powers will not only not deprive citizens of the opportunity to hand over mercury-containing electrical appliances and old batteries, but will also improve it.

After all, now, instead of the State Unitary Enterprise Ecostroy,
the same work is performed by First Ecological Service LLC .
The company's management promises to renew the eco-car program.

Moreover, they promise to increase the number of mobile collection points to 7.

In addition, on their website you will find:

• schedule and parking locations for eco-mobiles;
• addresses and opening hours of stationary collection points for mercury-containing waste.

You can also donate old thermometers and car batteries there.

We have also prepared a list of companies that operate in St. Petersburg and offer recycling services for mercury-containing electrical appliances. In the table you will find:

• name of the enterprise;
• address and contact phone number;
• website.

All information was taken from the official websites of these enterprises, so we recommend visiting the website and calling before your trip . After all, it also happens that a company has already ceased its activities, and its website remains up for several years, misleading people.

Disposal outside developed settlements

In small towns and villages, the issue of delivery and disposal is more complicated. There are no such points organized here yet, so you should contact the existing organizations:

• circuit;
• village councils;
• Ministry of Emergency Situations.

They must create appropriate points for the collection of hazardous waste.

Contacting the service company

According to the legislation of the Russian Federation, service companies are required to organize a place for receiving and storing waste of hazard class 1. Reception from individuals is free, legal entities and enterprises pay for services according to the price list.

In case of refusal to accept hazardous raw materials or storage violations, the service company is responsible.

Administration of the locality

Residents of small settlements most often do not know where to donate energy-saving light bulbs or where to look for waste collection. They need to contact the district administration regarding disposal issues.

A place for temporary storage of hazardous waste must be organized. The room is equipped with special containers for storage. According to an agreement concluded with regional services, garbage is removed for disposal.

Construction stores

In places where there is absolutely nowhere to hand over fluorescent equipment, you should contact hardware stores. Well-known retail chains organize the collection and disposal of used mercury-containing lamps.

Here you can find containers with markings and the name of the scrap.

Let's sum it up

Despite the fact that modern energy-saving lamps are positioned by manufacturers as durable and environmentally friendly light sources , when using them, it is important to remember personal safety and the well-being of the environment.

Electrical mercury-containing lamps must be disposed of in accordance with their hazard class . A responsible approach to use and disposal will not only avoid harming the environment by releasing toxic substances, but will also bring tangible benefits in the form of recycling products.

This is how mercury-containing lamps are disposed of:

Consequences of arbitrary disposal

Considering that mercury equipment belongs to hazard class 1, independent disposal can have negative consequences. Inept actions can lead to vapor poisoning.

Mercury affects the nervous and digestive systems, lungs, kidneys, skin, eyes. It can begin with headaches and have serious complications, including death.

Methods of neutralization

Previously, recycling technology was simple.
The shells of the flasks were washed with water, and it was sent for further processing. During the process, chemical reagents were released that were used for other purposes. Modern techniques make it possible to separate all components. The light bulbs are crushed and put into high-pressure pipes. The air removes all harmful substances, and the phosphor is transferred to another container. The mercury is cooled and used for other purposes.

Some enterprises use a thermal method: the material is finely crushed and calcined at high temperature. Mercury vapor goes into a special “trap” and is frozen. The sockets and phosphor are reused.

Sometimes the hydrometallurgical method is used. Thanks to it, the crushed lamps are washed with special solutions.

It is impossible to neutralize the substance yourself, so recycling at home is impossible. You need to find out the addresses of collection points - they are in city directories.

A competent approach to the problem of using waste allows you to preserve nature. Recycling different devices saves resources and causes less harm to the environment.

Storage of fluorescent lamps

Used equipment must be stored in packaging. It should be whole and dense. Up to 30 devices are allowed in one container. They are laid in a vertical position.

The containers are given a separate room and the locations are marked. They are sorted by model, length and diameter. The storage space should be:

• remote from residential areas;
• do not allow moisture to pass through;
• equipped with ventilation;
• closed from outsiders;

A hazardous waste logbook must be kept.

The lamp broke, what should I do?

Modern fluorescent and bactericidal lamps have a mercury content of 10 to 70 mg. The best environmentally friendly samples from the LEDVANCE and Philips brands contain about 2.5-3 mg of mercury in one lamp. For comparison, a household mercury thermometer contains about 2 g of mercury.

Most types of discharge lamps contain mercury

However, even if you are dealing with such safe lamps, the release of mercury vapor into the air is always a burden on the body. Therefore, it is imperative to carry out demercurization, i.e., removing mercury from the premises. In the event of a broken lamp, demercurization can be done on your own.

The demercurization procedure at Russian enterprises is regulated by the “Methodological guidelines for monitoring the organization, current and final demercurization and assessing its effectiveness” MP 4545-87. The document was developed back in 1987, but is still in effect.

In everyday life, you can rely on the “Instruction for the population on carrying out demercurization measures in residential premises” issued by Rospotrebnadzor. Similar recommendations can be found on the websites of local governments. When using such recommendations, it should be borne in mind that the sale of potassium permanganate, which is listed there as a demercurization agent, has been limited in Russia since 2007. In fact, it is impossible to buy potassium permanganate, since pharmacies do not want to bother with a bunch of permits for a cheap drug. Of the other products listed in MP 4545-87, the safest option is a soap-soda solution (4% soap solution in 5% aqueous soda solution).

What does lamp recycling have to do with it? Lamp fragments, collected mercury and all items that were used for demercurization are placed in a sealed container and handed over to the management company or to an organization that accepts mercury-containing waste. It is prohibited to throw this waste into the trash yourself.

Some companies that recycle mercury-containing lamps provide a service where a specialist will come to collect the lamp fragments and carry out demercurization. The cost of such a service is from 1500 rubles.