Fluorescent bulbs need special handling Published Oct. 7, 2011 By Ted Theopolos 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio -- You see fluorescent bulbs everywhere on base -- not only the common 4-foot tubes but also 8-footers, U-shaped bulbs and the newer compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). The reason you see them everywhere is that fluorescent bulbs are energy efficient. They only use about one-fourth of the energy and last about 10 to 20 times longer, converting about 22 percent of their energy to light versus only 2 percent with incandescent bulbs. Saving energy is saving money. However, these fluorescent bulbs contain enough mercury to be considered hazardous waste, according to Gary Selby, Hazardous Waste Program manager in the 88th Air Base Wing's Environmental Branch within the Asset Management Division of Civil Engineering. Mismanagement is a recurring problem and results in violations during environmental inspections. "We have to follow U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Universal Waste regulations to manage our bulbs" Mr. Selby said. "It's important in handing these types of bulbs to make sure they are managed properly and safely. Other bases have been fined for mismanaging bulbs." Generally, real property building mangers are responsible for managing bulbs, but other personnel may be responsible for managing their organization's bulbs. Ideally, the original manufacturer's cardboard box should be used to store spent bulbs. If a person needs a box, the Hazardous Waste Program will provide them. When storing spent bulbs, each box must be marked stating it is Universal Waste Lamps, and it must be dated when the first bulb is placed in the box. And they must be closed unless bulbs are being added to the box. "It's also important that the box is as full as possible," Mr. Selby said. "Partially filled boxes are a risk for breakage and subsequent exposure of harmful mercury vapors and will cause an increase in compliance burden." Mr. Selby went on to say that if a bulb breaks it must be handled with care. "All of the broken bulb must be cleaned up and placed in a separate air-tight container that must be labeled and managed as hazardous waste. If more than eight bulbs are broken at one time, it is a considerable release of hazardous material, and the handler should evacuate the area and call 911." "We recycle the bulbs that are generated on base," said Mr. Selby. "The boxed bulbs are collected each Wednesday and taken to Bldg. 72 where they are palletized. Once there are enough pallets to fill a semi-truck, the base's waste contractor arranges a shipment to a recycling company. Over the last 10 years, the base has recycled more than 290,000 lbs. of light bulbs." Any questions about managing fluorescent bulbs should be directed to Mr. Selby at 257-3349.