Go To The Source: Going “Green”

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 classified 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 classification 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 high-intensity 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 landfill 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 fluorescent lamps and recycling says:

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 fluorescent 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.