What Materials Should Be Managed?
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Fluorescent Bulbs
Any bulb with the  symbol cannot be disposed of in the trash. These bulbs contain Mercury and must be reclaimed or recycled through an appropriate facility. The following table shows a sample of typical fluorescent and HID bulbs that contain mercury and names often used:
Type of Bulb |
What it might look like...
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Fluorescent tubes: This includes 4-footers, 8-footers, T-12s, and T-8s |
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Low mercury "green tips" |
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High intensity discharge (HID) lamps |
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Compact fluorescents |
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Neon |
 (Photo by: PSlawinski)
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U-tubes |
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Circulars |
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Mercury vapor lamps |
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High pressure sodium |
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Low pressure sodium |
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Ultraviolet |
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Ballasts |
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Should I Discontinue Using Fluorescent Bulbs?
No, fluorescent lights are good for your business, and, when handled properly good for the environment because they are energy efficient.
Fluorescent bulbs are VERY energy efficient – 75% more efficient than incandescent bulbs! Also, they last 5-10 times longer
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Energy Saving Formula
To calculate Energy dollars saved over the life of a bulb, use this formula. All you need is the Present Bulb Wattage and your recommended Bulb Wattage and Life.
Energy Saving Calculation
Present Bulb Wattage |
 Watts |
Subtract |
|
Recommended Bulb Wattage |
Watts |
Equals Wattage Saved |
Watts |
Multiply |
|
By Recommended Bulb Life |
Hours Life |
Equals Energy Saved |
Watt-Hours |
To Convert to Kilowatt Hours Divide by 1000 |
÷1000 |
Equals Energy Saved |
Kilowatt Hours |
Multiply by Energy Rate* |
X $0.10 |
Equals Energy Dollars
Saved by Each Bulb |
$ |
| *Based on $0.10 per/kwhr. Use your local rate to determine savings |
| Source: Philips |
Energy Saving Calculation--Example
Energy Saving Calculation
150 Watt |
Replaced By |
90 Watt |
Saves 60 Watt |
| 2500 Annual |
Operating |
Hours |
x 2500 hrs.
Saves 150000 whr |
Convert to Energy |
Kilowatt
Saved |
Hours |
÷ 1000
Saves 150 kwhr |
Multiply
Annual |
By
Savings |
Energy rate
Per bulb |
x $0.10
Saves $15.00 |
Based on 2500 hours per year @ $0.10 per/kwhr |
|
Source: Philips |
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Incandescent vs. Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
Bulb Type |
100 W Incandescent |
23 W Compact Fluorescent |
Purchase Price |
$0.75 |
$11.00 |
Life of the Bulb |
750 hours |
10,000 hours |
Number of Hours Burned Per Day |
4 hours |
4 hours |
Number of Bulbs Needed |
About 6 over 3 years |
1 over 6.8 years |
Total Cost of Bulbs |
$4.50 |
$11.00 |
Lumens Produced |
1,690 |
1,500 |
Total Cost of Electricity
(8 cents/kilowatt-hour) |
$35.04 |
$8.06 |
Your Total Cost Over 3 Years |
$39.54 |
$19.06 |
Total Savings Over 3 three years with the Compact Fluorescent |
$20.50 |
Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Information Administration |
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Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable batteries contain toxic materials that include lead, nickel, cadmium, and mercury and are harmful to the environment and should be recycled or disposed of properly. Typical equipment and electronic devices that use rechargeable batteries include:
Rechargeable Batteries are Typically Found in These Devices...
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Cordless and Cell Phones
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Laptop Computers
|
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Digital Cameras
|
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Cordless tools like drills, screwdrivers, and saws
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Toys
|
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Electronic Equipment
Electronic equipment contains a variety of hazardous substances that require special disposal. Cathode ray tubes, and the glass found in monitors and TVs contain a large amount of lead. Circuit boards and electronic wiring contain lead, chrome and other metals; relays and switches can contain mercury; and PCBs can be present in older, larger equipment.
Why Manage Your Toxics?
Under state and federal regulations, you are obligated to properly manage your toxic materials. Go to the What Does the Law Require? section of the Know Toxics website to learn more about your legal obligations to manage your hazardous materials.
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Why Manage My Toxic Materials?
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Fluorescent bulbs, rechargeable batteries and many electronic components contain toxic materials, including mercury, lead, cadmium, and PCBs. If these products are improperly disposed of in the trash, they can contaminate your workplace or the environment. |
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Even in small amounts, these substances can be highly toxic. |
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When fluorescent bulbs, rechargeable batteries or electronic equipment is thrown in the trash, mercury enters our environment and affects both humans and wildlife. |
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A single, broken, fluorescent bulb can contaminate as much as 7,000 gallons of water. |
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on the label means the bulb contains mercury and should be recycled or managed as hazardous waste. |
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Toxics 