Services for the disposal of fluorescent lamps. What can not be thrown into the trash and where to hand over light bulbs and batteries

Fluorescent lamps have many advantages. Compared to incandescent lamps, they have a higher light output, they are 5 times more economical and can last up to 15,000 hours. Therefore, linear and compact fluorescent lamps are the most widely used. Their only drawback is the presence of mercury vapor in gas discharge tubes. Therefore, the correct disposal of fluorescent lamps is important: they must not be thrown away with ordinary garbage, but must be handed over to special items reception. It is also necessary to dispose of energy-saving home lighting lamps: their collection points are usually located in regional REU and DEZ

(utilization of fluorescent lamps in Moscow)

Fluorescent lighting is the most widely used today. The comfortable light of fluorescent lamps, close to daylight, is successfully used in offices, shopping malls, commercial and industrial enterprises. And recent energy-saving measures have strongly encouraged compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) to take their place in the home lighting industry. After all, energy-saving CFLs are now practically the only reasonable alternative to incandescent lamps being phased out, given the extremely high cost of another alternative - LEDs.

From an economic point of view, the transition to fluorescent lighting is quite justified, since such light sources are 6-15 times more durable and 4-5 times more economical than incandescent lamps, that is, they fully pay for themselves within a few months. Yes and by technical specifications fluorescent lamps are significantly superior to incandescent lamps. However, there is also a fly in the ointment - linear and compact fluorescent lamps contain mercury vapor, therefore they are environmentally unsafe. Mercury, as you know, belongs to the toxic substances of the first hazard class ("extremely dangerous"), so fluorescent lamps and lamps require some caution in use. And most importantly, they need special disposal, since throwing lamps with ordinary waste will lead to hazardous pollution. environment.

Disposal of fluorescent lamps: a problem to be solved

Discharge lamps low pressure, in which mercury vapor is used to produce light radiation, have been actively used for more than a decade. Therefore, the problem of proper disposal of mercury-containing lamps appeared far from yesterday. However, in Russia they began to pay serious attention to this problem only in last decade, since the use of fluorescent lamps has increased immeasurably due to the abandonment of incandescent lamps. Today, more than 40 manufacturers offer various CFL models for the home on the Russian market, and this figure is constantly growing. Almost every apartment already has at least one compact fluorescent lamp, and many consumers have already completely switched to fluorescent lighting.

The main difficulty in the field of recycling energy-saving lamps is that the speed of distribution of newfangled light sources is far ahead of the adoption of measures for their effective processing. Specialized recycling centers so far exist only in large cities, and even then not in all. In addition, if it is quite possible to control the process of disposal of mercury-containing lamps by organizations in practice, then it is virtually impossible to trace the path of failed CFLs from individuals. In the field of control of individuals, the disposal of mercury-containing lamps poses a particular problem - ordinary people sometimes simply send a broken light bulb to the trash can, and some of them are not even aware that they contain mercury. And this situation is typical not only for Russia: it is known that even scrupulous Europeans often throw out CFLs along with ordinary garbage.

Recycling fluorescent lamps: how should it work?

So, where to put a linear fluorescent lamp that has worked its time at an enterprise or office? And how should energy-saving home lighting lamps be disposed of? If the answer to the first question is now prescribed in the legislation, then the answer to the second is still ambiguous. But first things first.

Utilization of fluorescent lamps by enterprises and organizations

Linear fluorescent lamps commonly used by organizations contain significantly more mercury than CFLs. Therefore, the correct disposal of fluorescent lamps requires special attention. Currently, legal entities and entrepreneurs are required to dispose of failed lamps according to a certain scheme, and this must be documented. And since the fact of buying light sources is probably listed in accounting documentation, then it is theoretically quite realistic to track where the company is doing the broken lamps, and violators will face a serious fine.

Fluorescent lamps are categorized toxic waste, and their disposal should be carried out by specialized organizations with which a legal entity must conclude a service agreement. The company should store lamps that have expired in containers specially designed for this, and send them for recycling at least once every six months. It should also be borne in mind that you do not have the right to transport lamps as toxic waste on corporate vehicles - this requires carriers with a special license. A list of companies dealing with the collection of waste fluorescent lamps in your area can be found on the website of the Greenpeace organization in Russia.

Recycling of energy-saving lamps by individuals

The issue of proper disposal of CFLs by ordinary consumers is still being worked out. This is best done in the capital. In particular, according to the order of the Moscow government, the disposal of energy-saving lamps in Moscow is entrusted to the regional REU or DEZ. These organizations must install special containers for fluorescent lamps, and you can hand over fluorescent lamps to them for recycling free of charge. They are obliged to carry out both the collection and storage, and ensure the processing of fluorescent lamps.

In the regions of Russia, everything is somewhat more complicated, but for a start it is also worth contacting the same PRUE or DEZ. It may turn out that they themselves do not accept fluorescent lamps and CFLs for recycling, but they will be able to suggest which organization in your city does this. If there is an IKEA store nearby, then you can look into the "Exchange or return of purchases" department - they usually accept fluorescent lamps from any manufacturer for recycling.

Energy-saving fluorescent lamps contain mercury and can be harmful to the environment and human health if not properly disposed of. For waste processing, special treatment equipment is used, and products are transported in trucks with the appropriate marking. Disposal energy saving light bulbs organizations with a license are engaged, however, in their absence, you can contact the Ministry of Emergency Situations, shops, etc.

What is the danger of fluorescent lamps for humans and the environment?

The most dangerous is mercury, which is contained in energy-saving lamps. The substance is a neurotoxin. When compiling the world classification of polluting compounds, mercury was assigned to category 1 of the hazard class. Despite the relatively low content, the substance is able to infect a large area.

The Environmental Protection Agency reports that approximately 800 million mercury-containing lamps are improperly disposed of each year. 1 g of the toxin can infect 0.8 hectares of water bodies and become a potential cause of mass death of fish and animals. 800 million lamps contain on average 80 tons of mercury. This amount is enough to infect approximately 64 million hectares.

If the lamps are not disposed of correctly, due to the mercury content, representatives of flora and fauna will die out in 120-140 years in an area that can be compared in size to the Amazon River.

Mercury most often enters the body through evaporation. Poisoned air does not have a specific smell, so a person may not be aware of the cause of intoxication. Even at low concentrations, the substance has a devastating effect on the lungs, skin, eyes, urinary, immune, digestive and central nervous systems.

Depending on the concentration of mercury, intoxication can be mild (food poisoning), acute or chronic. Symptoms include headache, discomfort in the throat, muscle weakness, salivation, swelling and bleeding of the gums, nausea and vomiting. Patients complain of a metallic taste in the mouth. Additionally, poisoning may be accompanied by a sharp increase in temperature, diarrhea, cough and chest pain.

In chronic poisoning, symptoms may subside, but the risk of developing concomitant abnormalities increases. Due to the dysfunction of the immune system, a person is more likely to become infected with infectious diseases. The chance of developing tuberculosis, hypertension and atherosclerosis increases. Psychiatric disorders may occur. Patients complain of migraine, irritability, apathy, chronic fatigue and depression.

Why should you recycle fluorescent lamps?

Fluorescent lamps pose a threat to humans and animals. Mercury from energy-efficient products, if the integrity of the latter is violated, enters the environment. This can happen even at the stage of transportation, because there are no special transportation rules for the disposal of standard waste. As a result dangerous substance and its vapors end up in the soil, air and water. Molecules can travel long distances, so they gradually accumulate in the environment.

After breaking the integrity of the fluorescent lamp, metal can get on the surface of plants or food debris. Drops can be in the stomach of the animal as a result of the absorption of food. Metal causes poisoning. Mercury is not digested, but can partially accumulate in the body, so the cycle repeats later. After the death of a poisoned animal or a natural exit from the body, mercury again enters plant foods, soil, water, or immediately into the gastrointestinal tract of another creature.

Toxin from mercury lamps can enter the human body. This happens not only during the circulation of molecules with water and air, but also when eating. The highest concentration of mercury is found in fish carcasses. This is the result of water pollution. With proper disposal, the penetration of molecules into the environment is excluded. Safety rules are observed at all stages of processing.

Where to donate energy-saving light bulbs?

You can hand over lamps from fixtures after the expiration of their service life to special places. Their addresses are easy to find on ecological information portals, local forums, administration websites, etc. However, in some cases, collection points and enterprises involved in transportation and disposal are far away, which complicates the delivery of lamps.

Individuals can additionally contact the following organizations:

1. An enterprise that serves local electric lines. In most cases, organizations support optimal condition networks in several tens or hundreds of settlements. To dispose of the lamps, contact the chief power engineer. It is his responsibility to control the destruction of mercury products. Sometimes an ecologist does this. However, a specialist does not always provide assistance for free.
2. District or village administration. The Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation established that these bodies should control the disposal of hazardous waste. The administration is obliged to report the time and place of delivery of the lamps. The waste will be transported by a special vehicle to the processing plant.
3. UK or REU. In the presence of multi-storey buildings, the enterprises that serve them should deal with the disposal of lamps and other household waste. The organization necessarily concludes an agreement with the processing plant, so you can contact the employees of the UK or REU.
4. Ministry of Emergency Situations. The district office does not dispose of lamps, but must have a contract with a recycling company.
5. Construction and hardware stores. Business owners are required to conclude an agreement with a recycling company. In extreme cases, you can contact the store, but most often the request is refused. This is due to the cost of transportation and disposal.

Recycling technology

For the disposal of lamps, the organization must own special buildings for the safe storage of products. Before issuing a license, equipment and facilities for processing are checked. Before disposal, the products are delivered in sealed packages using special transport with the appropriate marking.

Disposal methods

There are several disposal methods. In the cities of Russia, the most common are mechanical and mechanical-chemical methods. In the process, mercury is intensively treated with cement dust. After solidification, the toxin becomes safe. Blocks can be discarded or buried.

Modern approach

Modern factories use the following methods:

1. hydrometallurgical. Mercury is separated from other materials after washing with solutions.
2. thermal vacuum. After crushing, the lamps are heated under vacuum conditions. Vapors are collected in separate containers and frozen with liquid nitrogen.
3. Vibropneumatic. Lamps are crushed to separate materials. Then the phosphor, which contains mercury, is processed using temperature exposure.

Different methods can be combined to increase efficiency.

The cost of recycling fluorescent lamps in some regions of Russia

The cost of disposal depends on the organization. Some businesses accept lamps for free because they are funded separately or are required to supervise recycling. The average cost of recycling a product is 15-20 rubles. For example, in Tyumen and Yaroslavl, the price of processing is 15, in St. Petersburg - 20, and in Barnaul - 18 rubles.

Fluorescent lamps are used frequently today. They have many advantages, the main ones are long service life and economical energy consumption. A significant drawback is the need for special disposal of fluorescent lamps. You can’t just throw it into household waste, because inside they contain mercury. But where, then, to put them?

What are fluorescent lamps made of?

A fluorescent lamp is a mercury-containing light source. In mercury vapor electricity creates ultraviolet radiation, with the help of a phosphor it is converted into light that is perceptible to human vision. A mixture of potassium halophosphate with other elements acts as a phosphor.

Expert opinion

Alexey Bartosh

Ask an expert

Important! The mercury vapors that are inside have the first class of toxicity, which is why the products need special disposal.

1. Glass flask. Its shape is different, as well as the size.
2. Two, rarely four electrodes.
3. inert gas.
4. Mercury vapor.
5. Phosphor.
6. Launch scheme.

Scheme of operation of a fluorescent lamp

The luminous efficiency is several times higher than that of standard incandescent lamps at the same power.

What is the danger of fluorescent lamps for humans and the environment?

Few consumers understand how dangerous the lamps are for the environment and randomly throw them into containers and take them out with household waste. Not only broken old flasks are dangerous, but also new lamps with damage. In the latter, the concentration of mercury is much higher. Of course, such products cannot be used.

Disposal into household waste is dangerous because, after being thrown into a landfill, they begin to pollute the environment with mercury and its compounds. The most dangerous is methylmercury. The compound not only diverges through the air, but also accumulates in the soil, penetrates into the water, which is consumed by animals and absorbed by the roots of plants. As a result, a person gets dangerous foodstuffs at his own table. There is a high risk of poisoning them. All this applies not only to lamps, but also to mercury lamps.

If a person regularly consumes such foods, he develops lesions:

1. excretory system.
2. nervous system.
3. Lungs.
4. With accumulation, there is a disorder of speech, hearing, and vision.
5. There is a violation of muscle coordination.
6. Minimal doses of mercury are provocateurs of immune failures and oncology.
7. If such food is consumed by a pregnant woman, there is a risk of developing a mutation of the fetus, its death.

Radiation produced by a fluorescent lamp

Important! Do not think that if the lamp is out of order, then it is not dangerous. They must be disposed of in the same way as damaged new ones. Throwing out to ordinary trash forbidden.

Where do the used products go?

Although many environmentalists talk about the problem of recycling fluorescent lamps, this moment not all major cities have collection points where they should be collected. Since the procedure for collection, transportation and actual disposal is complex, all companies involved in this work on a paid basis. Accordingly, acceptance from the population is also paid. On average, the price is from 15 rubles for 1 light bulb.

If there is still a reception point in the city, you should contact there. But an individual, that is, a person who brings 2, 3 or even 5 lamps, may be refused to accept them. Many points work with large lots, that is, they accept lamps from commercial organizations according to the contracts.

In this case, you can also find where to donate products. Every city has state organizations who are obliged to accept such waste from the public. Delivery can be made:

1. DEZ is the Directorate of the Single Customer, the structure that replaced the ZhEKs.
2. REU - repair and maintenance department.
3. Ecological service of the city. This department is obliged to accept all waste that may be harmful to human health.

For collection, special tanks are used, which are located on the territory of the enterprise. If there is no such container, you should ask the administration where you can give such waste.

The collection of used lamps takes place in the IKEA chain of stores, and for free. If there is one in the city, then it is most convenient to send fluorescent lamps there, they definitely cannot refuse to receive it.

Ecomobiles are already operating in some cities - these are mobile collection points for fluorescent lamps. This vehicle is equipped with special containers. The route and schedule for visiting a particular area is developed several weeks in advance.

Rules for storing light bulbs

It is inconvenient to take each light bulb to a recycling point, it is better to collect a certain amount of them and then hand them over for recycling. Non-functional lamps must be stored properly.

How convenient to organize the storage of light bulbs in the absence of boxes.

Instruction:

• Each lamp in a separate cardboard box. It is most convenient in the one in which it was purchased, so it is better not to throw them away.
• The room where they are stored should be regularly ventilated.
• It is desirable that the room was not accessible to strangers.

Expert opinion

Alexey Bartosh

Specialist in the repair, maintenance of electrical equipment and industrial electronics.

Ask an expert

Important! For non-compliance with the rules of storage and disposal, administrative liability in the form of a fine is provided. For citizens, its size is 1-2 thousand rubles. For organizations (legal entities) 100-250 thousand rubles.

Disposal rules

In order for the enterprise to be able to carry out work on the disposal of mercury-containing lamps, certain requirements are put forward for it, which are enshrined in the relevant Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation. Among the conditions:

1. A special facility in which they will store and neutralize the lamps.
2. Equipment and special installations for work.
3. Transport for transportation from the place of collection to the place of processing. In addition to recycling, such companies also carry out the removal of hazardous waste.
4. Trained staff.
5. The processor must have a license to carry out recycling work.

Recycling process, necessary equipment

Recycling fluorescent lamps is a complex process. It can be carried out in several ways, depending on the equipment of the enterprise. The main task of all processes is demercurization, the removal of mercury in order to prevent it from entering the soil and water.

Equipment required for the disposal of a fluorescent lamp

Options:

• Thermal. The lamp is pierced, pre-fixed in a special installation. Mercury vapor is extracted through the puncture.
• Hydrometallurgical. The lamps are crushed and washed in a chemical solution.
• Thermal vacuum. The lamps are crushed and heated in a vacuum. As a result, the mercury is separated and collected in a compartment where treatment (freezing) with liquid nitrogen takes place.
• Vibropneumatic. They are also crushed, then the glass (flask), metal base and phosphor, which contains mercury, are separated. Mercury is then thermally extracted from the phosphor.

After these procedures, secondary raw materials are obtained, which can be reused. Most often it is used for the manufacture of building materials, metals.

What should companies and firms do?

Companies and firms that in the course of their work receive a lot of mercury-containing waste, it is most rational to conclude contracts with specialized companies for removal and disposal. The storage procedure at the enterprise is the same as at home. The law obliges all organizations to operate within environmental safety. In case of violation of the norms, a fine can not be dispensed with; a ban on conducting a certain type of activity can become a punishment.

Conclusion

Authorities regularly adopt documents and laws to protect the environment from pollution, including mercury compounds. But there is still no well-established system of demercurization measures. For many citizens, it is easier to throw away a fluorescent lamp that has burned out than to pay for it to be disposed of or to look for collection points for such hazardous waste.

For several years now, incandescent lamps have given way to modern luminescent and energy-saving types. This is because they significantly save energy and last longer than usual. Recycling energy-saving light bulbs is just as important as ever. However, the approach to this process has changed. It is necessary to carry out the liquidation according to all the rules, because the new devices contain mercury.

Waste Hazard

According to the hazard classes, used mercury-containing and fluorescent lamps are classified as very hazardous waste. Therefore, it is impossible to get rid of used appliances along with household waste: new-type lamps contain heavy metals. Only those companies that have a license for this can carry out activities for their disposal and transportation.

Getting energy-saving lamps into a landfill along with ordinary garbage leads to catastrophic changes in the environment. Toxic vapors that are emitted from broken lamps enter the soil, water, atmosphere and biosphere. Mercury is a particular danger to the environment.

Damaged lamps can contaminate vast areas of soil. corrosive substance penetrates into sewage and groundwater, after which it enters water bodies.

In addition to poisoning nature and water, significant doses of mercury fall into food. Seafood and fish that are caught from polluted reservoirs can be especially dangerous for humans. Mercury can accumulate in the body. At the same time, she almost does not come out of it. So, the substance forms exorbitant concentrations.

Organs and systems most affected for mercury poisoning:

• The immune system.
• Nervous system.
• Kidneys.
• Digestive system.
• Lungs.
• Female reproductive system.

Variety of lamps

A hazardous substance is contained in all daylight energy-saving fluorescent lamps. They are filled with an inert gas, usually nitrogen. They can contain up to 70 mg of liquid metal. Light sources for domestic use contain between 3 and 5 mg of mercury on average. The surface of the device is covered with a phosphor from the inside.

Scientists conducted an experiment by breaking an energy-saving lamp in an isolated room. They found that the content of harmful substances in the atmosphere at the same time greatly exceeds the norm by more than 150 times.

Types of lamps, which include liquid metal:

• neon.
• Xenon.
• Bactericidal.

Manufacturers can use different materials and fillers depending on the purpose of the products. But mercury remains an unchanged component for the manufacture of such lamps.

LED lamps are considered the safest for the environment. This is because they do not contain mercury. The base of the products has a stabilizer and other electronic components that can be used as secondary raw materials. The legislation does not impose special requirements for the disposal of LED products. It is recommended to dispose of such products as hazardous waste.

The production of lamps with LEDs for garlands and car headlights is often cheaper. Lead and other dangerous substances are used for this.

Halogen and incandescent

Due to the low efficiency of incandescent lamps, they are gradually being squeezed out of the market by more effective products for lighting. Despite the uneconomical and rapid burnout, they have one advantage. A damaged product does not pose any danger to the environment. The device works thanks to a tungsten filament. She is the source of light. The lamp cavity contains inert gases.

A special type of products with a tungsten filament is a halogen lamp. It can be filled with halogens or their derivatives. Such fillers were able to extend the life of the product and increase its efficiency up to 15%. Used incandescent bulbs are not hazardous. There are no special requirements for their disposal either. Products can be reused in production.

Elimination Methods

Used and damaged lamps must not be thrown away with household waste and drain into the sewer. Broken products must be packed in a cardboard box and handed over to special collection points for energy-saving lamps.

Measures to be taken if a mercury lighting device is broken:

1. Ventilate the room.
2. Carefully assemble large parts of the product.
3. Small fragments should be collected with the sticky side of the adhesive tape, a towel or napkins. It is forbidden to use a vacuum cleaner for this.
4. Rinse the floor and wipe the dust with the use of chlorine-containing products.

In every city there are special collection points for energy-saving light bulbs.

Organizations or individual entrepreneurs, which are engaged in the disposal of such waste, are required to conclude an agreement only with licensed companies. If this rule is violated, a fine is imposed, the amount of which can reach up to 250 thousand rubles.

1. Specially designated containers for DEZ, REU or management company. Acceptance of hazardous products from the public is free of charge.
2. Reception points at the base specialized organizations who are licensed to dispose and transport hazardous waste.
3. Large stores that sell such devices. For example, IKEA or "220 volts". Such collection points may offer discounts on the purchase of new light bulbs.

Utilization of energy-saving lamps in Moscow and other large cities of the country can be implemented under the Ecomobiles environmental program. It is carried out by the local authorities. It represents the placement of mobile vehicles with containers for the delivery of light bulbs around the city.

In addition, they can accept old car batteries and waste batteries. Collection of hazardous waste is carried out according to a certain time and route. The price for the elimination of mercury devices varies from 15 to 30 rubles per item. The cost of recycling other light sources, such as LEDs, is almost the same.

Reception points in the regions

A large number of containers and waste collection points are located in large cities. But what about people living in remote towns and villages? In such settlements there are no designated places for the reception of mercury products. But some organizations can help residents get rid of hazardous waste.

List of companies where you can donate light bulbs:

1. Construction and hardware stores.
2. Electrical networks.
3. Management Company.
4. Rural administration.

Shop owners who sell light bulbs containing mercury are required to enter into an agreement with organizations that dispose of them.

Therefore, you can take used products for lighting to the store. Often, unscrupulous entrepreneurs try to refuse admission to citizens, because for him it is the cost of transportation and liquidation.

Every town has a power line. And this means that there are organizations that are engaged in its maintenance. Most often, one company is responsible for hundreds of settlements. The main power engineer must work in it. It is he who is responsible for the control of the waste dangerous sources Sveta. In some organizations, this issue may be dealt with by an environmentalist or other employee.

The person responsible for the liquidation has a connection with special companies, where it will not be difficult. Often no one wants to deal with this issue for free. Therefore, the payment for scrap is assigned to citizens.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations can also help resolve this issue. Of course, it does not deal with waste disposal. But they must provide the contact details of the companies involved in this, and even help in transporting the product.

In urban-type settlements, a management company or maintenance department may be responsible for getting rid of mercury lamps. They have an agreement with a recycling organization. It is enough to bring them used products. All other manipulations are the responsibility of the company. They are required by law to accept lamps. Otherwise, you need to contact Rosprirodnadzor or the prosecutor's office.

As for the local administration, it must inform residents when and where special transport arrives. If you refuse to help with disposal, you can safely contact the higher authorities.

Rules for transportation and scrap

Special measures are not required. Each product is recommended to be wrapped with a thick cloth or placed in a cardboard box. Further, the devices are stacked in such a way that they do not fall during transportation to the disposal point. On the way, do not accelerate sharply and avoid strong braking.

These requirements apply only to individuals. For licensed enterprises, there are completely different rules. They are allowed to transport hazardous waste only in special containers that do not let caustic vapors out.

In addition, organizations must have:

1. Special warehouses for waste storage.
2. Equipment and professional installations.
3. Transport with the necessary equipment.
4. Certified employee.

It is customary to distinguish 4 technologies for the utilization of mercury light sources: thermal, hydrometallurgical, thermal vacuum and vibropneumatic. The first method is to calcinate the waste using a plant. It helps to extract all the mercury vapor from the light bulb. The second method, hydrometallurgical, neutralizes them by washing the products with a special solution.

Thermal vacuum technology heats fragments in a vacuum. In this case, mercury is collected in a compartment where it is frozen with nitrogen. The vibropneumatic method involves the separation of products into glass, base, phosphor. Mercury is neutralized thermally.

After lamp recycling receive raw materials for recycling:

• Phosphor.
• Glass fiber.
• Plinths.

Metals and building materials are produced from this raw material. Integral flasks of products can be used for the production of new lamps.

Energy saving products have a lot of advantages. When using them, do not forget about the safety of the environment. Such lamps must be disposed of according to the hazard class. The right approach to the elimination of hazardous waste will help preserve the nature, health and life of all life on the planet.