FAQs
Q: How do I package ballast?
A: Ballast should be packaged in a 55 gallon steel drum with locking lid. Smaller quantities can be packaged in pails. The container should be marked with PCB or Non-PCB on the label provided by EverLights. If the material is mixed ballast, then the container will be classified as PCB. Please fill drums no higher than ¾ of the way full so as to not exceed transportation weight limits. Any drum that is over 999 lbs exceeds regular packaging requirements.
Q: How do I handle leaking ballast?
A: Leaking ballast should be kept separate from regular ballast. Anything that comes in contact with a leaking ballast or capacitor should be placed in a separate container for disposal. The container should be airtight and be labeled as “Leaking PCB Containing Ballast.” The handler should wash his/her hands with soap and water after a shift, after handling, or before a break. No food, beverages, or tobacco materials will be permitted while working with ballasts.
Q: How do I package lamps?
A: Lamps need to be packaged to prevent breakage. The original packaging that the bulbs come in is the cheapest way to package your spent lamps. EverLights also provides fibre drums and boxes if necessary to ensure proper packaging of your spent lamps. Drums should be covered with lids and boxes should be taped with no bulbs hanging out. Containers should be marked with the following: “Universal Waste Lamps,” “Waste Lamps,” or “Used Lamps.”
Q: What do I do if I break a bulb?
A: Mercury can be absorbed through the skin but enters the body more readily through inhalation. Below are some general guidelines:
- Carefully sweep up the broken bulb(s). Do not vacuum.
- Make sure to wear gloves, shoe covers, and respirators as needed. Any item that come in contact with the broken lamp(s) should be properly discarded (i.e. shoes or brooms).
- Increase ventilation. Open a window or turn on a fan. Warmer rooms will disperse the mercury easier, so lowering room temperate can also help.
- Place in plastic container and seal for transport. Label the contents.
- Document the breakage and clean up. Notify your supervisor to make an incident report.
- Keep your warehouse free of broken shards of glass or phosphor powder. Click for Info.
Q: What is “Incidental Breakage?”
A: Lamps are fragile and can easily break. The regulations distinguish between accidental breakage that occurs during normal transport and intentional breakage or crushing. While there is no specific amount of breakage that is considered accidental, less than 5% is generally acceptable. Anyone who recycles lamps should take standard precautions to minimize breakage. Click for Info.
Q: How do I package batteries?
A: Batteries should be packaged in 55 gallon steel drums with plastic liners or 5 gallon plastic pails. We can also accept this material in similar DOT approved containers. Large wet cell lead acid batteries or UPS units with sealed terminals can be palletized for transport. To comply with Department of Transportation regulations some battery types may require taping of the terminal ends. Different battery types should be kept separate (i.e, you cannot mix alkaline with lithium). Containers used for recycling batteries should be marked with one of the following: “Universal Waste-Batteries,” “Waste Batteries,” or “Used Batteries.” FIR PDF
Q: How do I package mercury devices?
A: Mercury devices need to be carefully packaged when being prepared for recycling. This process is designed to prevent any breakage during shipping. The devices should also be placed in sealed bags to further prevent leakage or contamination. EverLights will provide you with the proper material necessary to properly package your mercury devices. Containers used for mercury thermostats should be marked with one of the following: “Universal Waste-Mercury Thermostats,” or “Waste Mercury Thermostats,” or “Used Mercury Thermostats.” FIR PDF
Q: What types of material do you accept at your facility?
A: EverLights accepts used lamps, ballast, electronic devices, capacitors, transformers, and mercury containing devices at our facility. We do not accept chemicals or paint. Please call 877-934-9873 for assistance with these items.
Q: Do you pickup for homeowners?
A: No.
Q: What happens to fluorescent light bulbs when they are recycled?
A: The light bulb is recycled in a large vacuum airtight, processing machine. The bulb is essentially broken down and separated into 4 products: glass, metal, phosphor powder, and mercury. Once the items are decontaminated, they are sent to secondary markets for remanufacturing. The glass is sent to a secondary glass recycler, the aluminum end caps are sent to a metal smelter, the mercury is put back into new light bulbs or other mercury containing devices, and the phosphor powder is an end by product. Over 99% of each bulb can be recycled.
Q: How long can I store my material before I need to recycle it?
A: Under the Universal Waste Rule, material should be stored for no longer than 1 year. To indicate when you began collecting material, mark the container with the start date.
Q: Should I recycle low-mercury, eco, or "green end cap" fluorescent lamps?
A: Yes. The amount of mercury in a single “low-mercury lamp” ranges from 3.5 to 4 milligrams. Although the amount from one lamp is small, collectively, large numbers of fluorescent lamps contribute to a significant amount of mercury that is released into to the environment. Therefore, the EPA can enforce jurisdiction on companies discarding green tip bulbs.
Q: What are your terms and conditions for returns?
A: Item should be in unused and undamaged condition. If item was damaged in shipping then the item can be replaced upon return on the damaged good. Returns will be refunded upon the return on the item in good condition less the cost of freight or shipping the item. Items should be returned within 7 business days.
