Polychlorinated biphenyls( PCBs)
are found in all light ballasts manufactured prior
to 1979. PCBs were banned from manufacturing because
of the adverse affects the chemical has on the environment.
Once released, PCBs remain in the environment and
are consumed and stored in the fatty tissue of all
organisms. The concentration of PCBs in fatty tissue
increases with time even though the concentration
is very low. PCBs can cause gastric disorders, skin
lesions and liver cancer.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency
requires companies and organizations to properly
dispose of PCB waste. Everlights will help you minimize
the time you spend on meeting EPA requirements and
other federal, state and local compliance regulations
by providing all required documentation, including
the preparation of waste manifests and labels.
To determine whether you have a PCB or Non-PCB ballast,
check the label when removing it. If the ballast
does not contain PCBs, it will say“ No PCBs.”
If there is no label or marking on the ballast,
assume it is PCB and set it to the side for recycling.
Everlights’ seamless disposal method incinerates
the entire PCB capacitor and potting material at
a federally approved toxic waste incinerator. The
remaining parts of the ballast (mainly copper and
steel) are sent for reuse in manufacturing. When
the recycling is complete, Everlights will send
you a Certificate of Recycling verifying that your
PCB waste has been disposed of properly.
