NATA warns: don't dump used fluorescent bulbs

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) warned the aviation community not to dispose of fluorescent bulbs, which contain mercury, like ordinary garbage. According to NATA, “Fluorescent light bulbs used in many FBOs are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as universal waste.” Airport-based companies usually aren’t large enough to qualify as large generators of waste (more than 5,000 kg), but NATA noted, “There are still simple rules for the disposal of universal waste that must be followed.” These rules require labeling of used fluorescent bulbs, procedures for handling broken bulbs and transportation and
disposal of universal waste. NATA offers a best practices guide for handling used fluorescent bulbs, available on the association’s Web site (www.nata.aero).