Ballast Disposal
Ballasts are used in Fluorescent light fixtures. Many ballasts contain an oil filled capacitor, roughly the size of a bar of soap. Ballasts manufactured before 1981 have capacitors containing Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), an environmental pollutant. UWM recycles ballasts. While PCB ballasts are recycled through a commercial processor, the PCB portion is incinerated at a special site licensed to handle PCBs. Other ballasts, not containing PCBs, are also shipped for recycling.
Procedures for Disposal:
- If you notice any oily substance outside of ballast(s) assume that it could be PCBs and handle appropriately:
Handle ballast(s) with disposable gloves
- Place ballast(s) in plastic bags
- Put disposable gloves into bag with ballast and close bag securely.
For additional information regarding handling and removing leaking fluorescent ballasts, please refer to the OSHA Hazard Information Bulletin entitled Light Ballasts and Chlorodiphenyls (PCBs)
- If you are not currently on a regular waste pick up schedule, please contact Environmental Affairs staff at x4999 or x2883 to request a waste pick up.
Updated October 2, 2007 by SAK