Wisconsin Fluorescent Bulb Recycling Regulations

Quick Facts

  • Due to mercury concerns, recycling fluorescent bulbs is highly recommended by the Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources and is required for many facilities throughout the state
  • Prepaid bulb recycling by mail is allowed in Wisconsin
  • Crushing fluorescent bulbs is allowed in Wisconsin

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Recycling Options Available in Wisconsin

THE BULB EATER

Crushes fluorescent lamps of any size while removing mercury vapors. Reduces labor, recycling costs, and storage vs. packing lamps.

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EASYPAK RECYCLING CONTAINERS

Fill up containers with bulbs, ballasts, batteries, or e-waste at your own pace and mail back via prepaid shipping.

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BULK RECYCLING PICKUPS

For larger amounts of bulbs, ballasts, batteries, or e-waste. Trucks come pick up waste at your location for recycling.

Schedule a Pickup

 

Detailed Wisconsin Fluorescent Bulb Recycling Regulations

The stringency table below provides examples of state regulations compared to the EPA regulations. We strongly recommend that you discuss stringency with your primary state regulatory contact. This information should not be interpreted as definitive legal guidance. This document was produced in June 2004, and we do not guarantee its accuracy after that date, as state policies may change at any time.

("same" means the state policy is the same as the federal policy)

 

Jurisdiction: Federal EPA

Generator Exemption (CESQG): Generators producing less than 100 kg (220 pounds) of hazardous waste (HW) or 1 kg acute HW in each month, including all HW generated. CESQGs are exempt from federal rules, but not exempt from liability (40 CFR 261.5)

Where can waste from CESQG go? Waste may go to any Municipal Solid Waste Landfill (MSWLF)

Can the waste be declared non-hazardous, based on TCLP? Wastes that test less than 0.2mg/l soluble mercury are not considered hazardous under federal rules.

Other stringency or exemptions? Crushing can only be done by generator (40 CFR 262.34); crushed waste that is not UW- must be managed as RCRA HW. Crushing not allowed within federal UWR, but may be within State UW regulations. No one may crush third-party lamps without treatment authorization [1]. No mobile treatment units.

 

Jurisdiction: Wisconsin

Generator Exemption (CESQG): Waste must go to RCRA Sub-C facility or state equivalent

Where can waste from CESQG go? same

Can the waste be declared non-hazardous, based on TCLP? same

Other stringency or exemptions? Same, and City of Madison ordinance mandates that fluorescent lamp retailers must 1) notify customers that landfilling not allowed, 2) take used lamps back, 3) get lamps recycled, and 4) file compliance plan. Penalties for violations.

 

State Regulatory Contacts

PRIMARY CONTACT

Jill Schoen - Waste Management Specialist

Agency Address: Department of Natural Resources, Waste Management Program, P.O. Box 4001, Eau Claire, WI 54701

Phone: (715) 839-2788

Email: jill.schoen@dnr.state.wi.us

 

SECONDARY CONTACTS

Cindy Moore - Recycling Team Leader

Phone: (608) 267-7550

Area of Responsibility: Statewide

 

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