Mercury Vapor Lamps

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Mercury vapor lamps are high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting devices that produce light by creating an electric arc through vaporized mercury. These lamps are used in gymnasiums, outdoor lighting, and industrial settings. Due to their mercury content, they are regulated as Universal Waste and must be disposed of properly to prevent mercury contamination.

Characteristics of Mercury Vapor Lamps:

  • Contain pressurized mercury and metal halide compounds.
  • Operate at high temperatures and pressures.
  • Often have a quartz arc tube encased in a glass bulb.
  • Pose environmental hazards if broken or improperly discarded

Mercury Vapor Lamp information

  • Sturdy Cardboard Boxes or Storage Crates: Designed to prevent lamp breakage
    during storage or transport.
  • Original Packaging: If available, reuse for safe containment.
  • Heavy-duty Plastic Totes: Lined with cushioning or absorbent materials.
  • Containers Must Be:
    o Clearly labeled
    o Kept closed and upright
    o Stored in a designated Universal Waste area

Environmental Health & Safety:

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

Telephone: (415)-542-8046

Mercury Vapor Lamp must be removed:

  • Waste may accumulate for up to 1 year from the date of generation.
  • Accumulation start date must be written clearly on the container.
  • Waste must be transferred to the campus hazardous waste storage site within that time

Who Removes the Waste:
Facilities or Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) staff trained in Universal Waste handling.

Where It Is Taken:
Lamps are moved to the Universal Waste consolidation area within the SFSU hazardous waste facility, where they are inventoried and prepared for pickup

  • Quarterly pickups or more frequent as needed, depending on storage capacity.
  • Emergency removal is arranged if breakage or large-scale accumulation occurs

Lamps are transported by a licensed Universal Waste recycler.
 

Disposal and treatment include:

  • Mercury recovery through distillation and vapor capture.
  • Glass, metal, and ceramic separation for reuse or proper disposal.
  • Ensured compliance with EPA (40 CFR 273) and California DTSC regulations
    (CCR Title 22)

Contact Information

For further information about the Mercury Vapor Lamps Management Program at SFSU or how you can get involved, please contact:

Environmental Compliance Specialist

Dipak Janda (Dk)