Everlights

Why can’t I throw my fluorescent lamps in the trash?

Fluorescent lamps contain mercury and, in most cases, are considered either hazardous or universal waste. The federal government passed legislation in 1999 to classify fluorescent lamps under the Federal Universal Waste Rule. The rule states that as long as fluorescent and mercury containing lamps are being recycled, they do not need to be labeled as hazardous waste. Furthermore, failure to comply with federal universal waste regulations, or hazardous waste regulations, exposes a company or institution to government enforced environmental fines. Recycling your fluorescent lamps is the easiest way to avoid these fines. 

What happens to the fluorescent lamps once they are picked up for recycling?

The lamps are transported to an EPA licensed recycling facility for processing. The fluorescent lamps are recycled in machines designed to break down the lamp and then separate the glass, aluminum end caps and phosphorous powder. Once the glass, phosphorous powder, and metal end caps are clean of mercury, they can be reused in manufacturing.   

What are my state laws for proper lamp recycling? 

Click below for more information on state-by-state regulations:

State-Specific Universal Waste Regulations

Other State-by-State Information on Laws and Regulations

What is your EverMail Program?

EverMail is a pre-paid mail-in recycling program for fluorescent, HID and incandescent lamps, ballasts, batteries, electronics and mercury waste. Tne price includes a storage container, liner, shipping from and to the EverLights facility, and 100% recycling of your waste. We also provide you with a certificate of recycling once all materials have been processed.

Could you pick up lamps at my facility?

Yes, EverLights runs our own fleet of vehicles to service your needs at your location. We handle recycling for accounts nationwide. Our drivers come with a prepared bill of lading, extra storage containers, and answers to any of your recycling questions. Follow these packaging instructions to ensure an easy pick up.

I don’t want to use EverMail, but I still need boxes and labels. Where should I go?

EverLights has empty storage containers available for our clients. Our shipping containers come in a variety of sizes and all come pre-labeled for your convenience. Call us to order empty containers: (877) 934-9873.

I see you have several lamp recycling program options, how do I decide? 

Our web site can guide you through different recycling program options, based on your logistics and size. If you are still confused, please call us! We have someone available to chat with you on-line, or by phone. 

I notice you don’t recommend Drum Top Crushing – why is that?  I have heard they are so convenient.

It is important to remember that a fluorescent lamp is only safe to handle when it is intact. Once a fluorescent lamp is broken, the mercury inside the lamp is released.  With that being said, each time you crush or break a lamp at your facility, you are putting yourself and your employees at risk. Drum top units cannot capture 100% of the mercury. In fact, in response to independent studies showing the mercury levels released from a DTC, the EPA created a complete set of guidelines for their use. 

The two most important ones are that a DTC not be used in facilities that serve sensitive populations (schools, health care facilities, nursing homes) and that the DTC operate in a room with a segregated ventilation system from the rest of the facility. If you feel that a drum top unit is your best solution, make sure you do your homework. They are not all made the same. 

If electronics are already burnt and unusable, how can they harm the environment?

Starting in 2012, federal regulations go into affect which ban computers from landfills. Computers, like many electronics, contain heavy metals (such as lead) that pose environmental hazards when disposed of improperly. By recycling your electronics with EverLights, you'll be able to shed that old computer without harming the environment. Not to mention saving your company thousands of dollars in fines. EverLights offers an electronics pick up service, as well as an electronics recycling mail in program. 

Do I need to be concerned with the data on my computer when I send it for recycling?

Absolutely! Simply deleting your information is not enough, as it does not destroy the data. At EverLights, we take your personal information, and the risk associated with it being exploited, very seriously.  For this reason, we first wipe the hard drive clean, and then send it through a shredding process.   These two steps are the only guarantee that your electronic equipment is disposed of safely and properly. We are one of six electronics recyclers that take this step with every computer we receive.   

Do you also offer pick-up service of all of my universal or electronic waste?

Yes we do! EverLights offers the following services:

• Battery recycling
• Lamp recycling
• Ballast recycling
• Electronics recycling
• Mercury recycling
• Fixture recycling
• Hazardous waste disposal

We have a fleet of vehicles ready to make it to your location, with a minimal lead time on service.   

What should I know about recycling ballasts?

If your ballasts do not clearly state “Non-PCB,” you should assume they contain this toxic substance and must therefore be recycled properly in accordance with federal and state laws. At EverLights, we take your liability seriously and incinerate 100% of your recycled ballasts at a federally approved incineration facility. Incinerating ballasts is the ONLY safe way to dispose of PCB waste.  Even if your ballast says "Non-PCB," we'll recycle it for you. Non-PCB ballasts do not require incineration, but recycling them does keep unnecessary waste out of our landfills. 

Is there a special way spent batteries should be stored?

Batteries should be stored in one of our 5 gallon plastic pails or 55 gallon lined drums with tight-fitting lids that we can deliver to your doorstep. Also, batteries must be effectively insulated to prevent bare terminals from coming into contact with other material that can create heat and catch fire through discharge. Taping the battery terminals or individually bagging each battery are some of the means used to accomplish this. Alkaline batteries and 9 volts do not have to be taped.

Does EverLights recycle alkaline batteries?

While a lot of recycling companies have stopped accepting alkaline batteries, we are happy to say we still handle them. Take a look at some of our battery recycling options and decide what's best for you. If you need help figuring out your best option, give us a call. We're always happy to help!

What hazardous waste do you dispose of?

We recycle paint, chemicals, transformers, X-ray machines, cleaning supplies, medical waste, old lab supplies, oil waste, lab packs, and much more for clients that include hospitals, universities, commercial properties, demolition companies, waste haulers, and environmental companies. Our service includes helping to inventory what they have on-site, packaging the material, then transporting and disposing of it properly.  

Why should I use EverLights?

Our award-winning company prides itself on customer service. All questions and concerns are answered immediately, and most service requests are processed within 24 hours. Same-day service is also possible. Our complimentary services include on-site counting, lamp packaging, custom recycling programs, job site visits and customer training.

What is involved in an energy audit?

Our LEED™ services include a free energy audit of your facility, an assessment of your current lighting and a recommendation to replace it with energy-efficient lighting products. Our lighting products include an instant payback through energy savings and any other available rebates.

What do I do if a lamp breaks?

If a fluorescent lamp breaks, there are a number of steps you should take. First, have everybody leave the room and open the windows to air out the room. Gather the appropriate cleaning supplies before beginning. Be thorough in collecting all broken glass and visible powder. We do not recommend a vacuum for this clean up.  When finished, place all materials outside in a container or protected area until the materials can be disposed of properly. If possible, continue to air out the room for several hours. For more detailed information, click here. To purchase a mercury spill kit, click here. 

I have seen the light! How do I place an order?

We offer convenient online ordering at www.everlights.com/shop, email us at info@everlights.com or you can call us at 877-934-9873.