Energy-efficient lighting, such as fluorescent and high intensity discharge (HID) lamps, requires less electricity to run than commonly used incandescent lights. The reduced amount of electricity results in a decreased energy demand from the power plants. The reduced energy output from the power plant results in less emissions that may contain harmful mercury, carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide. However, these lamps, including the so called non-hazardous "green tip" lamps, contain a small quantity of mercury, lead and cadmium that can contaminate the air, soil, surface water or ground water when a lamp is broken or disposed of in a solid waste landfill or incinerator.
Resources
- Fluorescent Lamp Recycling
- Information for Small Businesses
- Mercury Lamp Cleanup Procedure
- Management Requirements for Handlers and Transporters
- Vendors
Adobe Acrobat Reader format. Download a free reader from Adobe.