Frequently Asked Questions

Partners in Planet Protection ("PIPP") understands that you may have questions about recycling. Listed below are some of the more common questions we are asked.

Why can't I just throw my lamps in the trash?

All Fluorescent lamps contain mercury and in most cases are considered hazardous. The Environmental Protection Agency regulates the management of spent lamps. In Pennsylvania, and most states, unless you are a household, you must properly recycle your spent lamps. Throwing them in the trash can subject you to fines and penalties.

"We only purchase Green Tip- Environmentally Friendly lamps and they don't contain mercury."

WRONG! All fluorescent lamps contain mercury and most are considered hazardous waste. The most prudent course of action is to recycle all spent lamps in order to comply with the law and not pollute the environment.

What happens to the lamps once they are shipped?

The lamps are transported to our recycling facility for processing. The lamps are recycled in machines designed to break down the lamp and then separate the glass, metal, and mercury. Our recycling facility operates the world's largest commercial mercury recycling facility in North America with over 100,000 sq. ft. of specialized systems and proprietary processes in continuous operation.

Our recycling facility is the only lamp recycler with the technology to remove 99.9% of the mercury from an entire fluorescent lamp by retorting the glass tube, aluminum end caps and the phosphor powder. After the lamps are processed, a Certificate of Recycling will be issued for your records to document that your lamps were properly recycled by a permitted facility.