Going "Green" By Joe Schuster

[JOHN @ URI]

Lately, there have been ads and releases by
various tanning lamp companies that tout their efforts
to go green and become more environmentally friendly.
These efforts range from helping salons recycle lamps
to claims that some lamps are designed to be classifi ed
as non-hazardous waste. LightSources also has worked
with many of its partners to reduce its impact on our
environment, and, as a company, we applaud the
efforts of others to join us. However, because the topic
of waste classifi cation has been raised, I’m afraid there
might be some confusion as to what can and can’t be
thrown in the dumpster, and I’d like to clarify that.
Fluorescent light bulbs (including compact
fluorescent and low-pressure tanning lamps) and highintensity
discharge lamps (including high-pressure
tanning lamps) are the two most common types of
lamps that contain mercury.
Nationwide, more than 600 million mercury-containing
lamps are discarded each year, yet the recycling rate is
about 24 percent. Most of these lamps are still discarded
with the municipal solid waste that is ultimately dumped in a
landfi ll or incinerated. The National Electrical Manufacturers
Association (NEMA) and other related associations
are working in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) to increase the national recycling
rate through an outreach and education campaign. The
objective is to get enough information to the right people
so mandatory and voluntary recycling increases from the
current rate of 24 percent to 80 percent by 2009.
As more and more lighting companies are working
to reduce the level of mercury in lamps, salon owners
and lamp distributors have begun to ask for more
information. Some want to know if they can simply toss
the lamps away because of their low levels of mercury.
Here’s what the EPA’s Web site regarding fl uorescent
lamps and recycling says:

Some manufacturers of fl uorescent tubes produce
“low-mercury lamps” that they say pass the Toxicity
Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) test for
mercury. Under federal regulations, the TCLP determines
if a lamp is hazardous waste. The amount of mercury in
a low-mercury bulb can range from 3.5 to 4 milligrams
compared to a standard fl uorescent bulb which ranges
from 8 to 14 milligrams of mercury. These lamps may
be identifi ed by green end caps (often referred to as
green-tipped lamps), or green etchings on the lamps.
EPA encourages the recycling of all mercury-containing
lamps, regardless of the mercury content.

So, while “green” lamps may contain less mercury,
the EPA strongly recommends that all spent fluorescent
lamps be collected and recycled to prevent the release
of mercury in the environment. In addition, 38 states have
more stringent restrictions than the EPA statutes.
In fact, Gene Czako, development engineer for
LightSources, says that Connecticut is one of those
heavily-regulated states when it comes to fl uorescent
lamps. He adds, “LSI recycles all on-site spent lamps. In
Connecticut where we’re based, throwing any fluorescent
lamp—green or not—in the trash can get you into serious
legal trouble. First, the local waste-removal company
can decline to empty the dumpster, which will affect all
businesses that share that dumpster. Second, the state or
local government may instruct you to remove all lamps
(including broken lamps) and place them in a proper
container in order to recycle. Lastly, you may incur a
substantial fine.”
Ultimately, salons must think globally and act locally,
as they say. LightSources encourages the green
movement in our industry; however, it’s still very important
for all salons to become familiar with and abide by their
individual state requirements in regard to green products
and services.
For more information on LightSources tanning
products, visit www.lsitanning.com. If you have a question
that you would like answered

[unity]

Wait... your not suppose to play Star Wars in the parking lot with these? You know, light sabers? Crap.

Ok, I kid :) There is not a lamp that leaves this place that is not recycled! Pick up service and I think 50 cents per lamp. Small price to pay to not have to deal with the lamps and have them hauled off in a safe manor!

[JOHN @ URI]

50 Cent is a deal, last I saw was about 12 cents a foot or about $.72 per lamp.

[engfant]

Wait, you mean I can't eat these things???? I thought it was safe now!