How do I remove a PCB ballast?
They aren’t hazardous when used as intended, as long as they don’t leak. You may be able to dispose of a few intact ballasts containing PCBs the same as ordinary trash or at a household hazardous waste collection event or drop-off location sponsored by your county, city, or waste disposal district or company.
Are PCB ballasts hazardous waste?
Ballasts manufactured through 1979 may contain PCBs. PCB-containing ballasts become a concern if they are leaking or they will be removed and disposed of as hazardous waste. According to EPA Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) regulations, the material must be incinerated.
How do you know if a ballast has PCBs?
Ballasts manufactured between 1979 and 1998 that do not contain PCBs are labeled “No PCBs” If a ballast is not labeled “No PCBs”, it is best to assume it contains PCBs. If the ballast does contain PCBs, they are located inside the small capacitor or in the surrounding potting material.
Are fluorescent ballasts worth anything?
Depending on their age, and their casing, even if they have to be scrapped, ballasts can be worth a couple of dollars. According to current listings, if you can resell one that’s in fantastic condition, you can often get $13 to $20 for the average ballast! These are ones in great condition.
How do I know if a light ballast has PCBs?
How do you dispose of fluorescent light fittings?
If your community has a permanent facility for accepting e-waste (and most places do), they should be able to take old light fixtures off your hands. If your community does not have an electronic waste disposal center, find out if anyone does special e-waste collection days throughout the year.
Do all fluorescent light ballasts contain PCBs?
1. First of all, not all fluorescent light ballasts contain PCB. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the manufacture of PCB in 1978.
Are fluorescent light ballast recyclable?
Ballasts containing the hazardous materials polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) or di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) also pose health and environmental concerns. Therefore, these liquid-containing “wet ballasts” are considered regulated waste and should be recycled.
Does my ballast contain PCBs?
Do My Fluorescent Light Ballasts Contain PCBs? Ballasts manufactured through 1979 may contain PCBs. Ballasts manufactured between 1979 and 1998 that do not contain PCBs are labeled “No PCBs” If a ballast is not labeled “No PCBs”, it is best to assume it contains PCBs.
Can fluorescent tubes go to landfill?
The mercury phosphor powder is distilled and is used to produce pure mercury for re-use. As you can see when you contact us for your fluorescent tube or lamp collection, they will be completed recycled and will never end up at a landfill.
Are fluorescent tubes WEEE waste?
Fluorescent tubes, or lamps, contain mercury. That is the reason they are classified as hazardous waste. It is also one of the reasons why it is important to maximise their recycling rate. They are fragile, light-weight and all too easy to lose at the bottom of a skip of general waste.
Do fluorescent lights leak PCBs?
As they age, the FLBs degrade and EPA has determined that intact and non-leaking FLBs can release PCBs into the air. Depending on the number of operating hours, operating temperature, and on/off cycles, the typical life expectancy of a magnetic FLB is 10 to 15 years.
Do fluorescent ballasts have scrap value?
What’s inside a fluorescent ballast?
A magnetic ballast (also called a choke) contains a coil of copper wire. The magnetic field produced by the wire traps most of the current so only the right amount gets through to the fluorescent light. That amount can fluctuate depending on the thickness and length of the copper wire.
How do you dispose of damaged electrical equipment?
Where Can You Recycle Electrical Items?
- You can locate the nearest local recycling centre or company and take your equipment to them.
- Many recycling companies also offer a collection service from your home.
- The equipment moves through the conveyor belts after its collection.