Lamps That Are Categorized as Universal Waste

A lamp is a device specifically designed to produce radiant energy, most often in the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The RCRA regulations define lamps as the bulb or tube portion of an electric lighting device. In this context, a lamp may be referred to as a "universal waste lamp."

Universal waste lamps are categorized as hazardous waste because they contain toxic components, such as mercury or lead. Toxic components such as these fail to pass the "toxicity characteristic leaching procedure" (TCLP). Toxic chemicals from the lamps may leach into the environment. Examples of common universal waste lamps include, but are not limited to, the following items:

• Fluorescent lamps (contain mercury)
• Halogen lamps (contain mercury)
• High-pressure or low-pressure sodium lamps (contain mercury)
• Incandescent lamps (contain lead)
• Mercury vapor lamps (contain mercury)
• Metal halide lamps (contain mercury)
• Neon lamps (may contain mercury)

"Green lamps" are available now, which pass the TCLP test. These lamps are not subject to the regulations of the Universal Waste Rule. Brand names of "green" lamps that have passed the TCLP test include the following:

• Philips Alto™
• GE Ecolux™
• Osram Sylvania Ecologic™

To learn more about RCRA visit our RCRA Hazardous Waste Safety Online Training web page.