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Light ballasts are the electrical components at the end of fluorescent light fixtures under a metal overplate. Prior to 1978, ballasts were commonly manufactured with PCBs in the capacitor oil and in a tar-like substance that surrounds ballast components called "potting compound." Ballasts made after 1978 are usually marked "Non-PCB." Ballasts manufactured after 1978 may contain a PCB replacement called DEHP, a probable human carcinogen. Ballasts should not be disassembled for disposal.
Non-PCB Ballasts
The best option for non-PCB ballasts is recycling (see list below). For more information, call the Business Waste Line at (206) 263-8899.
PCB Ballasts (leaking and non-leaking)
The best option for non-leaking PCB ballasts is to recycle them at a facility with EPA approval for recycling PCB ballasts. Use a transporter with a PCB activity identification number from EPA to transport ballasts to a recycling facility.
Non-leaking PCB ballasts that aren't recycled must be managed and disposed as hazardous waste. See Hazardous Waste Disposal.
Leaking PCB ballasts should be handled with extreme caution to avoid exposure, contamination and liability. They must be managed as PCB waste and disposed in a facility regulated under the federal Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The EPA provides a list of permitted PCB disposal companies on-line.
For more information on how to recycle fluorescent light ballasts and for additional recycling facilities, see the fluorescent lamp recycling pages.
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