Universal Waste Lamp Guidelines

The following are some simple guidelines for the handling of used bulbs at YSU:

  • YSU EHS provides containers for the storage and disposal of Universal Waste Lamps. All waste bulbs must be placed & stored into their proper waste container & labeled accordingly.
    • UNIVERSAL WASTE Labels must be placed on each container, indicating the container accumulation start date, type & size of bulbs. EHS provides proper universal waste labels.
    • EHS currently supplies two types of waste lamp containers with bag liners. BAG LINERS MUST BE USED FOR EVERY CONTAINER.
      • 4 ft. bulb drum or box: for tubes approx. 3-4' in length. These range from about 50-70 Gal.
      • 2 ft. bulb drum or box: for any tubes or misc. bulbs approx. 2' or smaller in length. These containers are approx. 20-30 Gal.
    • ALL WASTE LAMP CONTAINERS MUST REMAIN CLOSED WHEN NOT IN USE.
      • Close drum rings & secure bin lids. For boxes, utilize cardboard lid, seal with tape, or utilize adhesive velcro for closure.
  • DO NOT put used tubes back in their original box from the manufacturer.
  • COMPLETELY FILL THE CONTAINER
    • Supplied box or drum can hold at least 80 T12 or 135 T8 tubes –
      • Containers should typically hold at least 100 total tubes, on average.
  • Separate any smaller bulbs (e.g., tubes 2' or less, U-shape, CFL, HID/halogen) into the smaller container provided.
    • Bulbs or tubes less than 3' in length must be placed in supplied 2'/20-30 gal. fiber drum or box (approx. 24-30”H x 16-18”d).
  • Place bulbs/tubes inside container in an organized & careful manner, taking caution not to break them.
    • Broken bulbs must be placed in their own separate container and labeled to indicate "BROKEN/CRUSHED BULBS".

  • Used bulb containers are for BULBS ONLY

    • Do not put original/Mfg. shipping boxes, styrofoam packaging, etc. in the supplied waste container.

    • Dispose of cardboard or debris in appropriate trash or recycling.

Contact EHS at ext.3700 or ehs@ysu.edu for additional waste containers or supplies.

  • For pickup & removal of FULL used bulb containers, please contact Facilities at ext.2953 or facilities@ysu.edu to submit a work order for the Facilities Mover.