Reactive lighting ballasts contain capacitors that utilize a dielectric as an insulator and coolant. Ballasts manufactured prior to the year 1980 used a dielectric fluid that contained Polychlorinated Biphenyls, commonly referred to as PCBs. PCBs are classified as a known human carcinogen that have been related to birth defects and other adverse heath effects. Many municipal landfill sites are not designed to contain pollutants such as PCBs.
After 1980 a "non-PCB" alternative known as di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, commonly referred to as DEHP, became the standard for use as the dielectric fluid. While DEHP has a low lethal toxicity, studies have shown that it can affect certain organs in low concentrations. DEHP is a known hazardous substance and landfilling non-PCB/DEHP lighting ballast does potentially expose you to Superfund liability.
An alternative to the reactive lighting ballast, the electronic lighting ballast utilizes solid state electronic circuitry to provide the proper starting and operating conditions needed by fluorescent lamps. Electronic lighting ballasts can be integrated with, or separate from the actual lamp. Integrated electronic ballasts are commonly found on mogul base compact fluorescent lamps that are finding widespread use in commercial as well as residential lighting applications.
Lighting Resources plays a vital role in keeping our environment free of the unnecessary contaminants associated with spent lighting ballasts. We provide nationwide PCB, non-PCB/DHEP and electronic ballast recycling solutions. Our proprietary recovery process allows for the reduction of up to 80% of the waste sent for disposal.
It is recommended that you package large quantities of spent lighting ballasts in 55 gallon steel drums. Smaller quantities can be packaged in smaller steel/poly drums or buckets. We provide an assortment of packing materials as well as labeling supplies for your spent lighting ballasts. Lighting Resources can even provide on-site storage solutions.
Note: We recommend that you clearly mark your shipping container as PCB, non-PCB, or electronic ballasts.
Many options are available for you to get your spent lighting ballasts to our recycling facilities. Smaller quantities can be easily managed using our prepaid recycling services. We can also accommodate weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, and yearly, bulk pickup schedules. Talk to our customer service representatives today to arrange your shipment.