Capacitor Disposal
General Information
For proper disposal of any capacitors containing Polychlorinated Biphenyls, or PCBs, contact Environmental Affairs staff at x4999 or x2883. If equipment containing PCB capacitors is to be surplused, the person taking the equipment must be notified of the PCB potential by the previous owner.
Capacitors are used in electrical equipment and can contain PCBs, which are regulated upon disposal. The two common types are running capacitors and starting capacitors. Starting capacitors are used to help start small motors and are usually free of PCBs.
Running capacitors are used to help improve the efficiency of electrical motors. PCBs are often found in running capacitors manufactured before 1976. However, these PCB components have found their way into appliances manufactured as late as 1984.
Starting capacitors typically have a rectangular cross section [see image] and are usually housed in a plastic or aluminum shell. Running capacitors are are often larger, usually circular or oval in cross-section, and have a steel jacket. A magnet can be employed to distinguish the two types of jackets.
Household Appliances
PCB capacitors have been found in air conditioners, microwave ovens, furnace blower motors, fluorescent light ballast, and sometimes in refrigerators and freezers. Capacitors used in clothes dryers, dishwashers, hot water heater, garbage disposers and compactors, ovens, ranges and stoves are not likely to contain PCBs. Campus units which have appliances for surplus or disposal must notify the persons taking the appliances of the potential PCB contents.
Industrial and Laboratory Equipment
PCB fluids have long been associated with oil-filled switches, capacitors and transformers. Certain hydraulic equipment, especially hydraulics used in high temperature applications, are known to contain PCBs. Equipment containing electrical motors should be checked for capacitors before disposal. Anyone with equipment manufactured before the late 1980s should be aware of the PCB content potential when surplusing, disposing or servicing the equipment.
For additional information, please contact Environmental Affairs at x4999 or x2883.
Updated October 2, 2007 by SAK