Fluorescent Lights and Mercury Thermostats
Fluorescent Lights
Information for State Agencies and Local Governments
Information for Demolition Contractors
Demolition contractors are required to remove mercury containing lights and thermostats from buildings before they are demolished and shall not knowingly dispose of these materials into unlined construction and demolition lanfills or any other landfill that is not lined - see NC General statute Provisions on Fluorescents and Mercury Thermostats.
Information for Disposal Facilities
NC General Statute 130A-309.10(m) states that no person shall knowingly dispose of fluorescent lights and thermostats that contain mercury in a sanitary landfill for the disposal of construction and demolition debris waste that is unlined or in any other landfill that is unlined - see NC General Statute Provisions on Fluorescents and Mercury Thermostats.
Information for Households
Most households use compact fluorescent and other mercury-containing bulbs. North Carolina residents are strongly encouraged to recycle spent fluorescent lights from their home.
Information for Businesses
- Commercial, Industrial and Institutional Generator Requirements
- NC Recycling Markets Directory List of Fluorescent Light Recyclers
Mercury Thermostats
For businesses and other non-household entities, mercury containing thermostats are regulated as universal waste and recycling is the preferred management option. Households are also encouraged to recycle any mercury thermostat they may generate. Recycling options can be found through the Thermostat Recycling Corporation.