Businesses purchase 85+% of the 865 million mercury-containing lamps annually in the US. Their rate of recycling is 30% and on the rise.

Recycling is the preferred method for disposal to keep mercury out of the air and excess materials out of the waste stream. 

While the US EPA defined mercury-containing lamps as "universal waste" in 1999, simplifying their disposal, several states have adopted more stringent regulations to ban lamps from landfills.

Ballast Disposal

SYLVANIA encourages recycling to conserve and reuse natural resources, where possible and appropriate.  The disposal of PCB-containing ballasts is strictly controlled through the State and Local regulations. In addition, there may be Federal, State and/or Local regulations governing the disposal of non-PCB ballasts.

Since these regulations vary from State to State, please contact your State and Local Governmental agencies for specific guidance.