Fluorescent lamps recycling

All fluorescent lamps removed during a capital project must be recycled appropriately. UW Recycling coordinates the collection of lamps with the UW’s contracted vendor. Fluorescent lamps are collected in boxes.

If you have lamps to recycle that are not associated with a capital project, consult the lamp disposal procedures page.

Procedure

1. Request box delivery or use your own

Option 1: Purchase your own boxes through a vendor of your choice. Dimensions similar to 16”x16”x48” work well. Grainger, Questar and Uline all offer comparable options.

Option 2: Use the boxes from the new lamps to safely contain the spent light bulbs and tubes, or any sealable box that the lamps and bulbs can be secured in.

2. Fill the box

Print this label (PDF) and tape it to the boxes (one label per box). Begin using the boxes and add the date to the label. Fluorescent lamps can only accumulate for one year. Different types of lamps or bulbs must be boxed separately. For example, place all fluorescent tubes (FLTs) in a box and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) in another box.

3. Request box pickup

Once the project is complete, submit a request and UW Recycling will schedule a pickup with the vendor. Pickup will be scheduled 5-10 days after the request is submitted. A signature is required upon pickup.