Although safe to operate, mercury lamp disposal is necessary because mercury, a highly toxic heavy metal found in fluorescent light bulbs and most HID lamps, can contaminate the environment if not disposed of properly; when a mercury lamp breaks, it releases mercury vapor into the air, posing a health risk, and if thrown away in a landfill, it can leach into the soil and groundwater.
State regulations change periodically and it is the user’s responsibility to comply with federal, state, and local regulations. Please consult with your local and state authorities for the most up-to-date requirements for lamp disposal.
