Ballast Recycling
Fluorescent light ballasts manufactured prior to 1979 contain Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs). PCBs were used because they were an excellent insulator that would not burn. PCBs are considered hazardous because they do not readily break down when released into the environment. This substance is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency. Landfilling ballasts exposes generators to future liability due to Superfund cleanups. Change in federal regulations, the PCB Mega Rule, makes the disposal of ballasts even more stringent. The rule states that a generator should either test the material for PCB concentrations or assume the ballasts contain PCBs at greater than 50 ppm. If the ballasts contain concentrations greater than 50 ppm they must be disposed of at an EPA approved TSCA facility permitted for the Commercial Storage of PCB waste.
The primary concern regarding the disposal of used fluorescent ballasts is the health risk associated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Human exposure to these possible carcinogens can cause skin, liver, and reproductive disorders. Following a regulatory ban on PCB in 1979, a less hazardous chemical, DEHP, was integrated.
DEHP:
- What is DEHP?
DEHP is di (2 ethylhexyl) phthalate. It is a clear, odorless, toxic liquid. Its most common use is in the manufacture of plastics. Since 1979 it has also been used as a dielectric fluid in "wet" capacitors used in fluorescent light ballasts and other equipment.
- How is DEHP regulated?
Under federal law, DEHP is regulated by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), "Superfund", Superfund Amendments, Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, OSHA, and by the Food and Drug Administration. In addition, at least 10 states and 2 cities have additional regulations.
- Does DEHP disposal expose me to Superfund Liability?
YES. DEHP is a listed "hazardous substance". Anyone responsible for disposing of DEHP (or any other "hazardous substance") is a Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) and can be held liable for clean-up costs. A PRP can be anyone who played a significant role in the generation or disposal of the waste. This can include building owners, contractors, ESCO's consultants, utility companies, and trash haulers. Since the average superfund clean-up is more than $30 million, this potential liability should concern everyone.
- How can I dispose of my DEHP ballasts?
In order to eliminate superfund clean-up liability, the DEHP must be destroyed. There are two ways to do this: whole ballast incineration and ballast recycling/ incineration. The better and most cost effective way is recycling/incineration. This is a process in which the DEHP contaminated materials are removed from the ballast and incinerated. The remainder of the ballast (some 80% by weight) is recycled and re-used. This process allows for complete destruction of the DEHP while conserving valuable resources for re-use. It is also about half the cost of whole ballast incineration.
Service Summary:
- PCB, non-PCB, and DEHP lighting ballasts can all be recycled.
- Metal components from the ballast, such as copper and steel, are collected for recovery and reuse.
- PCB-containing capacitors and any PCB-contaminated potting material are thermally destroyed at a permitted facility.
Air Cycle Corporation offers:
- A nationwide program for both small and large facilities.
- Permitted recycling facilities throughout the country.
- Transportation services "coast to coast."
- Competitive volume based pricing.
- Special packaging options
- Certificates of Recycling
- Centralized billing
- Quality service
Learn more about our EasyPak™ Pre-Paid Recycling Program
