Lamprecycle.org was developed by the lamp section of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association to provide a one-stop source of information about spent fluorescent and high intensity discharge lamp recycling. Under Federal hazardous waste laws, lamp users are responsible for complying with disposal standards. 

All fluorescent and most high intensity discharge lamps contain mercury, a naturally occurring element that is pervasive in the environment. It is important that lamps and other products containing mercury be properly managed to protect public health and the environment. 

Lamp users must be aware of Federal and state hazardous and universal waste requirements for management of spent lamps. These requirements can differ depending on who generates the spent lamps, whether the lamp is a hazardous waste and which state the user is in. That means users must have a basic understanding of the Federal regulations and knowledge of the unique state requirements. Even where existing regulations exempt users from spent lamp management regulations, NEMA encourages businesses to recycle their spent lamps.

This website contains:

• Information about Federal and state regulatory spent lamp management requirements, and state information contacts. 
• Lists of companies that are in the business of handling and recycling spent lamps. NEMA does not endorse or recommend any company involved in such businesses and encourages users to environmentally audit any firm that they use in the management of spent lamps.  

Additional information about the Federal universal waste  rule for lamps can be found under EPA regulations. Unique state information and state telephone contacts can be found under State Lamp Recycling Regulations & Contact Information.

Users should understand  that lamp recycling in not self-supporting. Spent lamps have no intrinsic value or embodied energy. The recovered mercury has minimal value. The cost of recycling lamps, however, is relatively small compared to the cost savings from using energy efficient lighting. Generally, fluorescent lamps are four to five times more efficient than incandescent bulbs. Fluorescent lamps reduce energy consumption that saves users money. Reducing energy use also cuts down on power plant emissions of mercury and other emissions that contribute to global climate change, acid rain and smog.

NEMA urges state officials to contact Lamprecycle.org if they place new material regarding lamp recycling on their websites. Please send any updated information to lamprecycle@nema.org.