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.
