The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation have recently passed legislation that requires businesses, institutions, and universities with over 100 employees and/or dispose of more than 15 hazardous waste lamps per month to properly recycle lights containing mercury along with other hazardous products. This has been passed in an attempt to decrease the release of the mercury present in these products into the atmosphere. When flourescent and HID (high-intensity discharge) lamps are broken, incinerated, or buried in a landfill, mercury is released into the air, water, and soil. Even low mercury 'green cap' lights must be recycled. Even though they pass TCLP the presence of mercury qualifies them as hazardous waste. Mercury containing lamps are commonly found in stores, offices, vending machines, tanning beds, warehouses, factories, hotels, parking lots, and streetlights and are popular due to their energy efficiency. Studies have linked mercury exposure to increased risk of heart attack and neurological disorders. Improper disposal of these materials is against the law, leading to civil and criminal penalties. Businesses may be held responsible for damages of the contaminated waste site. Fines and citations are also given to those who do not comply. Some popular businesses have already been fined up to tens of thousands of dollars for improperly disposing of their lamps.
