Skip to content
Buy 5 EasyPak Containers, Get 15% OFF with code "BUY5"
Buy 5 EasyPak Containers, Get 15% OFF with code "BUY5"

State Regulation- Why is mercury an environmental concern?

EPA Regulatory Information

TerraCycle Regulated Waste provides the information in this section in order to familiarize TCRWUSA.com users with the regulations governing lamp disposal, and to identify for TCRWUSA.com users the government agency that may regulate their operations. TCRWUSA.com users may use this information as a starting point to determine how their facilities are regulated. Customers are cautioned against relying solely on the information contained below and should contact their state environmental protection agency for more information to determine how lamps are regulated in the states in which they operate.


Why is mercury an environmental concern?

Mercury is a metallic element that can accumulate in living tissue. In sufficient concentrations, mercury may cause adverse health effects. Sources of mercury in the environment from human activity include coal-burning power plants, batteries, and fluorescent and HID lamps.

Small amounts of mercury are a necessary component in fluorescent and HID lamps, but when a lamp is broken, crushed, or dispensed in a landfill or incinerator, mercury may be released to the air, surface water, or groundwater. Considering this, it is a good policy to keep the mercury in fluorescent and HID lamps out of the solid waste stream by recycling.

Join thousands of subscribers for recycling, regulations, and lighting news and updates once a month!

"No more challenges with fluorescent bulb and mercury recycling. We use the EasyPak recycling program and it is very simple and convenient for us."

Jim Slager, Homer School District 33-C

"It’s easy to work with TerraCycle Regulated Waste. Their personnel are very friendly and knowledgeable about their products and the availability of them."

Alice Johnson, Eastern Ship Building

"I am very satisfied with all the services TCRW performs. They do what they say they are going to do, and they are here when they are scheduled to be here, and their paperwork is easy. Their representative is very helpful and informative about all phases of service."

Hector Rodriguez, Mission CISD

"Excellent value for the money. The Bulb Eater® has immediately helped us reduce lamp storage and create a safer storage environment, while allowing us to add another item to our waste reduction efforts in the City of Auburn."

André Richardson Environmental Services, Auburn, AL