Compact Fluorescent Light Tubes

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Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) are energy-efficient light bulbs commonly used in residential, office, and academic spaces. Like traditional fluorescent tubes, CFLs contain a small amount of mercury vapor, making them regulated as Universal Waste. Improper disposal can result in mercury release, posing health and environmental risks
 

Characteristics of CFLs:

  • Contain low levels of mercury.
  • Often spiral or folded in design to fit standard screw-in sockets.
  • Breakable glass that must be handled carefully.
  • Regulated under federal and state Universal Waste rules

Compact Fluorescent Light information

  • Burned-out spiral or folded CFLs from desk lamps or ceiling fixtures.
  • Broken or expired CFLs from dormitories, classrooms, offices.
  • CFLs used in maintenance or housing units.
  • Plug-in CFLs used in light panels and wall-mounted fixtures.

Environmental Health & Safety:

Dipak Janda (Dk) Email: Dipakjanda@sfsu.edu

Telephone: (415)-542-8046

Compact Fluorescent Lights must be removed:

  • Up to 1 year from the date the first CFL is discarded.
  • Accumulation start date must be written on the container.
  • Waste should be transferred to central storage before the deadline.

Who Removes the Waste:
Facilities or EH&S staff retrieve CFLs from drop-off or collection areas.
 

Where It Is Taken:
CFLs are taken to a designated Universal Waste storage area within the SFSU hazardous waste management site for consolidation and tracking.

  • CFLs are picked up quarterly or as needed depending on accumulation volume.
  • Broken CFLs are handled immediately with spill precautions and labeled separately

CFLs are collected by a licensed Universal Waste recycling contractor.

Waste is managed through:

  • Mercury reclamation via distillation in enclosed systems
  • Glass and metal recovery for reuse
  • Proper disposal of any residual hazardous materials

All disposal practices follow EPA (40 CFR 273) and California Universal Waste Rule (Title 22 CCR Division 4.5, Chapter 23).

 

Contact Information

For further information about the Compact Fluorescent Light Tubes Management Program at SFSU or how you can get involved, please contact:

Environmental Compliance Specialist

Dipak Janda (Dk)