Ballast Recycling

PCB-CONTAINING BALLASTS

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. Fluorescent and high-intensity discharge (HID) ballasts contain a small capacitor that may contain high concentrations of PCBs (greater than 90% pure PCBs or 900,000 ppm). These chemical compounds were widely used as insulators in electrical equipment such as capacitors, switches, and voltage regulators through the late 1970s. All ballasts manufactured through 1979 contain PCBs. Following a regulatory ban on PCB in 1979, a less hazardous chemical, DEPH, was integrated. Most of the PCB-containing ballasts have been removed from the UIS campus during routine replacements. All PCB-containing ballasts discovered on campus, are removed as hazardous waste by a licensed hazardous waste transporter.

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DEHP-CONTAINING BALLASTS

Di (2-ethylhexyl) phathatlate (DEHP) is a substance that was used to replace PCBs in certain ballast
capacitors beginning in 1979. DEHP in its pure form is listed as a hazardous waste under the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). However, once it has been used in a lighting ballast, it is no longer hazardous as defined by RCRA. Although DEPH is not regulated as a hazardous waste, UIS recycles all of these ballasts that are generated on campus.

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Recycling Ballasts

Recyclers remove the PCB-containing materials (i.e., the capacitor and possibly the asphalt potting material surrounding the capacitor) for incineration or land disposal. Metals, such as copper and steel, can be reclaimed from the ballasts for use in manufacturing other products. You may recycle used non-leaking ballasts despite PCBs.

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