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Author: Maine Labpack

How to Dispose of Fluorescent Light Bulbs

how to dispose of fluorescent light bulbs

Fluorescent light bulbs and lamps are well-regarded for their energy efficiency and long service hours. However, it’s important to know how to dispose of fluorescent light bulbs and lamps because fluorescent lights contain heavy toxic metals that are regulated hazardous waste. That waste is principally mercury and mercury-laden vapor, but lead, cadmium, nickel, arsenic, chromium, and gadolinium can all be found in fluorescent lights. To comply with the law, states like Maine require institutions, companies, and consumers alike to recycle all mercury-added light bulbs properly.     

Why Proper Disposal is Important

Though hazards related to fluorescent light bulbs have been known for some time, they are so commonplace that many people overlook, do not consider, or even realize how potentially harmful they are. Fluorescent tubing and bulbs are filled with an inert gas comprising 15 mg of mercury, part of which is in vapor form. Though that vapor emits ultraviolet radiation (UV) when an electric current is applied to the electrodes, it’s also toxic. When fluorescent bulbs shatter, mercury vapor is released into the air. That in itself not only presents a health hazard. Mercury is a neurotoxin, but a source of environmental contamination if not appropriately cleaned and disposed of.

Nonetheless, public places everywhere—schools, stores, businesses, factories, plants, and various institutions—use fluorescent lights for their low energy consumption relative to electrical power supply. But it also means that millions of spent bulbs are discarded each year. That alone makes fluorescent lights the largest source of mercury in the waste stream and is why it is classified as a universal waste.

Universal wastes are hazardous wastes regulated by states and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These types of waste are generated by virtually all businesses, households, and public spaces, and proper disposal and recycling are required by law. Common universal wastes are batteries, thermostats and thermometers, televisions, computers, flat panel displays, various types of light bulbs and lamps like high-pressure sodium, metal halide, and ballasts containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and, of course, fluorescent lights and bulbs. 

Mercury-added light bulbs are not limited to types of fluorescent lighting such as compact fluorescent (CFL) or linear fluorescent (straight, circline, and u-tubes), but mercury and heavy metals are also found in neon lights, black lights, UV lights, and high-intensity discharge (HID) bulbs. HID lights and lighting is used extensively for security and illumination in outdoor warehouses and in industrial, retail, and various commercial settings and environments. If you are uncertain whether a light bulb contains mercury, look for the letters “Hg” (the elemental symbol for mercury) stamped within a small circle on the bulb. Then again, sometimes bulbs are labeled with the words “contains mercury.”

How to Dispose of Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Fortunately, fluorescent lights are recyclable. In Maine and other states, the lights, or any mercury-added lamps, cannot be disposed of in the trash and must be recycled as mandated. To comply with the law, businesses and institutions should create a plan for their proper removal. For the sake of their own health, all staff should be made aware of the potential hazards of fluorescent lighting if broken, and responsible staff should know, procedurally, how to dispose of fluorescent light bulbs in the building. Fluorescent lights are fragile and need to be handled carefully. Do not tape or band them together. They will break under stress. Used lamps and bulbs can be placed in the boxes in which they came. To ensure they are not shattered, store them in a safe, dry area and other universal wastes until it’s time for proper disposal.  

A single box of bulbs can be brought to designated recycling centers—located everywhere. However, to ensure compliance and safety, businesses and institutions that generate large amounts of universal waste are better served by working with an experienced company to properly dispose of EPA-sanctioned waste. 

Contact the Experts at Maine Labpack

Maine Labpack has over 20 years of experience in packaging and safely transporting such wastes for disposal, including universal wastes like fluorescent light bulbs. We offer free consultation and estimates for disposal. Our service area covers Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, and we maintain a healthy liaison with each state’s environmental agencies. For more information on how we can help you manage your disposal needs, contact our team at Maine Labpack. 

Dangerous Goods: Shipping Lab Samples

shipping lab samples

Are you having trouble shipping lab samples or dangerous goods from your workplace?

Chemical samples must often be shipped for analysis to labs across the country and sometimes the world. However, when considered hazardous under International Air Transport Association (IATA) guidance, these materials are often rejected by shipping companies because they are considered dangerous goods shipments.

Shipping Lab Samples: What to Know

Prior to offering a dangerous good to an air carrier, hazardous materials regulations require the shipper to classify, package, mark, and label the shipment. Only trained personnel can prepare and sign the required paperwork to forward the shipment to the carrier.

For example, many paper mills in Maine must ship samples of their black liquor to laboratories in Canada or the Pacific Northwest for analysis. According to IATA, black liquor, a by-product of the Kraft process that digests pulpwood, contains caustic, corrosive chemicals that must be properly identified. These mills must employ personnel or contractors to manage these shipments according to applicable regulations.

Declaring your hazardous materials is imperative to ensure you and your company comply. For those who knowingly do not comply with these regulations, a fine upwards of $500,000 can be imposed on an individual. Meanwhile, a company may be dealt fines greater than $75,000 per violation daily.

At Maine Labpack, we offer full-service shipping options that help get your samples across the globe. Our trained dangerous goods shippers properly package, label, and prepare documentation for your sample shipments to get them to the lab immediately. 

Interested in our dangerous goods services? Contact us at Maine Labpack today to learn more!

Guidelines for Storing Medical Waste

storing medical waste

Medical waste, often called biohazardous waste, biomedical waste, infectious waste, red bag waste, etc., is infectious or potentially infectious to humans or animals. This waste is generated in hospitals, health clinics, biotech research labs, or veterinarian offices. Generally medical waste is contaminated with blood, bodily fluids, or other potentially infectious materials and must be handled properly to ensure workers, patients, and the community are kept safe. Keep reading to learn about properly storing medical waste.

How to Package Medical Waste

Biohazardous waste must be properly packaged to ensure containment and prevent leaks during storage, transport, and other handling procedures prior to arriving at the disposal facility. Impervious bags that are strong enough to resist tearing, ripping or bursting during usage and handling must be used to store and transport medical waste. All contaminated materials that are considered “sharp” (needles, scalpels, etc.) must first be placed in a rigid container with a lid to prevent injury. Liquids in large volumes must also be placed in an unbreakable container, tightly seals, and sufficiently contains the materials for handling, storage and transport. 

How to Properly Store Medical Waste

Biomedical waste needs to be stored away from other types of waste in a clear, designated area. This is to ensure there is no confusion on the type of waste. In addition to storing away from other wastes, the medical waste storage area should be in a designated area that has limited foot traffic and prevents unauthorized access. The climate in the room should be managed in a way that prevents microbial growth and in some cases, like pathological waste, the medical waste needs to be stored below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. 

How to Properly Dispose of Biohazards

At Maine Labpack, we offer comprehensive, no-contract biomedical waste disposal for a variety of generators. We’re here to help you keep your staff safe, and your facility in compliance with regulations. Our biohazardous material experts arrive on site, remove your pre-packaged waste, and supply you with containers for future pickups. To learn more about our biomedical waste services, please get in touch with us.

Radioactive Waste Management

radioactive symbol | radioactive waste management

Radioactive material is unique in that it is not disposed of by one of the normal means. Those normal means entail fuel blending, incineration, recycling, and neutralization. While the Department of Transportation (DOT) classifies radioactive material as a Hazard Class 7 (thus, not as dangerous as a Hazard Class 1 Explosive), it must meet certain criteria for shipping across our nation’s roadways for ultimate disposal at federally monitored facilities. This is why radioactive waste management is essential for generators to understand.

The level of radioactivity is determined by isotope quantity. A certified Geiger Counter gives an indicator of this level.  Isotope levels determine the personal hazard level of various chemicals.  For instance, Cobalt 60 is used in minimizing the spread of cancer and Plutonium 238 acts as an electrical source of power for pacemakers and spacecraft equipment. There are also the much more sinister uses of these materials. The federal government regulates these types of chemicals and imposes restrictions on them.

Radioactive Waste Management & Disposal

These chemicals are often disposed of at a registered and permitted secure radioactive chemical landfill. The transport of such chemicals must be conducted in a permitted vehicle that is often inspected for radioactivity.

When we review your chemical inventory for packing, transport, and ultimate disposal, we assess the level at which the radioactive elements must be handled. We file the appropriate paperwork that enables this waste to be packed and taken away safely and by all federal requirements.

Discussing the proper options for a particular radioactive chemical also derives the cost. Of all the hazardous waste streams, this hazard class can be the most expensive disposal cost regardless of quantity, volume, or weight.

The decision to purchase any such element should also incorporate the estimated disposal cost that inevitably comes up at the end of the useable product life. To budget this cost early is critical. Costs vary due to quantity, volume, weight, location of pickup and carrier limitations.

Where Radioactive Items Reside

The market for radioactive disposal fluctuates. Some users consistently generate this waste (analytical labs, testing facilities, hospitals), and some users are very infrequent (schools, demolition companies, veterinary shops). Radioactive items are found in almost everyday items we see around us, such as the older “EXIT” signs in public facilities, smoke and fire detectors, x-ray machines, and even older watches containing radium. As time passes, equipment with these hazards is being outdated and surpassed by newer technology equipment less dangerous to health and the environment.

When there is a question regarding the radioactive issue at your facility, contact Maine Labpack, Inc. for more information on radioactive waste management.

Hazardous Waste Guide: Antifreeze Waste

antifreeze waste

Antifreeze, often called coolant, is a yellowish-green liquid lubricant for moving parts in a machine, such as a water pump. Coolant prevents the water in a radiator and engine from freezing in cold temperatures and boiling over in hot temperatures. Most antifreeze contains the compound ethylene glycol; ethylene glycol, when ingested, may cause heart and kidney failure. So, what do you do with antifreeze waste?

Is Waste Antifreeze Regulated?

While there are no federal regulations for managing and disposing of ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, that does not mean it is not hazardous. Antifreeze is not considered a “solid waste” according to the EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) and, therefore, is not regulated or considered a “hazardous waste.” However, some states have specific regulations for antifreeze disposal based solely on its toxicity. For example, Vermont regulates ethylene glycol in solutions exceeding 700 parts per million.

How Do You Dispose of Antifreeze?

Recycling of antifreeze is always the first recommendation for generators of waste. Antifreeze must be disposed of properly if that is not possible. According to the EPA, used antifreeze “may not be dumped with regular trash, poured into the sewer or poured onto the ground.” Instead, the material must be disposed of at a secure chemical landfill or a landfill designated for used antifreeze disposal.

Where Is There an Antifreeze Landfill?

In most cases, the general public cannot access a landfill where antifreeze is accepted. Instead, generators typically ship their used, unrecyclable antifreeze with a licensed hazardous waste disposal company. Hazardous waste haulers generally have access to disposal facilities that dispose of chemical solutions unsuitable for the standard residual waste.

Do You Have Used Antifreeze to Dispose of?

Maine Labpack, Inc. is a licensed hazardous waste disposal company with access to various disposal outlets, including those that accept used antifreeze. 

Have antifreeze to dispose of? Contact us today to learn more about disposal options. 

Universal Waste Guide: Mercury-Containing Equipment

mercury waste disposal

Certain categories of hazardous waste are regulated under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ruling as universal waste. Universal waste is a category of hazardous waste commonly generated by various establishments, encouraging the development of municipal and commercial recycling programs. Universal waste management protects employees and the environment from potential risks. This blog explains proper methods for mercury waste disposal.

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Universal Waste Guide: Lamps & Light Bulbs

Universal Waste Lamps

Certain categories of hazardous waste are regulated under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ruling as universal waste. Universal waste, or “UW,” is a category of hazardous waste commonly generated by a wide variety of establishments and is regulated in a manner that promotes recycling, eases the regulatory burden on homeowners and retail stores, and encourages the development of municipal and commercial recycling programs. Keep reading our universal waste guide to learn the different categories and how it applies to lamps and light bulbs.

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Hazardous Waste Guide: Vermiculite

vermiculite in shipping

Many customers ask us why we pour what looks like gravel or dirt into their containers of hazardous waste or dangerous goods shipments. Like shipping any material, hazardous goods need something to cushion them during shipment. So, what are the materials we use for that? The answer is vermiculite.

Vermiculite, or “verm” for short, is a shiny, fire-resistant, absorbent mineral that looks similar to gravel, but is very lightweight. Generally, it has a gold-like sheen and has visible layers within its small pieces. You may have come across the mineral in the gardening section of your local hardware store or the insulation in your attic. But what are the benefits of vermiculite for shipping, particularly shipping dangerous goods and hazardous materials? (more…)

Hazardous Waste Guide: Mercury Recycling & Disposal

thermometer | mercury waste | mercury disposal

Did you know that mercury waste can permanently damage the nervous system? According to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, it is estimated that 630,000 children are born in the United States with a toxic level of mercury in their system. Improper disposal of fluorescent light bulbs is the leading cause of mercury poisoning. Even though these bulbs only contain roughly 5 mg in each four-foot lamp sold today, they accumulate in the environment and inevitably end up accumulating in humans and animals.

So, how do you properly dispose of elemental mercury and manufactured articles that contain mercury and mercury salts? We explain mercury recycling and disposal below.

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5 Common RCRA Compliance Violations

rcra compliance violations

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976 was set forth by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to govern hazardous wastes from cradle to grave. The Act covers the management of, transportation, storage and disposal of hazardous wastes. In addition to RCRA compliance, state and local regulations can make hazardous waste management regulations even more stringent. Companies that generate hazardous waste must be well versed in the regulations or risk large fines given by the EPA. Ultimately, we know that hazardous waste management isn’t the most important part of your day. The list below points out the most common RCRA compliance violations to prevent you from risking monetary loss. 

1. Open Waste Containers

Waste containers should always be kept securely closed. The only exception to this rule is when waste is actively being added or removed from the container. 

2. No Inspection Logs

Hazardous waste storage areas are often the most neglected areas of a facility. However, the EPA states that storage areas must be inspected at least once weekly to ensure all materials are stored securely and safely. Though the EPA says inspection once a week is required, it is best practice to have multiple trained personnel inspect the area once weekly to ensure storage areas are properly cared for.

3. Inadequate Employee Training

All employees who work with hazardous waste, whether you are a small quantity generator or large quantity generator, are required to have at least basic training. The training must include how to properly manage hazardous waste and the facility’s emergency procedures.  

4. Record Keeping

Hazardous waste generators are required to keep various records under EPA regulations. Documents that must be kept on file include hazardous waste manifests, biennial reports, waste testing reports, and exemption reports.  

5. Improper Labeling

EPA regulations state that various information must be on the outside of a hazardous waste container. The words “hazardous waste”, the accumulation start date, and a description of the hazards in the container must be clearly affixed to a hazardous waste receptacle. It is important to remember that many states have even more stringent labeling regulations than the EPA states.  

Contact Maine Labpack, Inc.

At Maine Labpack, we know that the slew of regulations put forth by the EPA may be overwhelming. However, our chemists are experts in EPA compliance and are here to help you understand and ensure you are always within RCRA compliance. Contact us today to have your questions about RCRA compliance violations answered!