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Dispose of waste bulbs properly

Bulbs that are no longer usable are considered universal waste and must be recycled.

The Postal Service is reminding employees that most waste bulbs contain hazardous materials and must be disposed of properly.

Fluorescent, high intensity discharge (HID), light emitting diode (LED), neon and ultraviolet bulbs contain mercury or other toxic metals.

When these bulbs are no longer usable, they are considered universal waste and must be recycled.

To recycle HID, LED and other waste bulbs, postal facilities must:

• Ensure employees who manage waste bulbs are properly trained.

• Store universal waste bulbs in closed containers that are clearly labeled.

• Arrange for off-site recycling within one year (365 days) of the original waste generation date.

• Recycle waste bulbs with Cleanlites Recycling, the organization’s national service provider.

• Use mailback recycling containers or arrange for on-site pickup. Both options are available through Cleanlites in eBuy Plus.

Incandescent and halogen bulbs — which typically do not contain mercury or toxic metals and are nonhazardous — can be disposed of in the trash or dumpster.

The Waste Light Bulbs and Lamp Blue page has additional information.