▣ Types of Lights We Use
Fluorescent lamps are light bulbs that contain mercury sealed in a vacuum glass tube, with the inner walls coated with phosphorescent material. They emit bright white light by producing ultraviolet rays from mercury discharge, which then react with the phosphorescent material to produce visible light. Recently, in addition to white light, there are fluorescent lamps that emit daylight colors and warm colors, and there are also compact fluorescent bulbs that are not tube-shaped.
Ten years ago, fluorescent lamps were the most widely used lighting, but recently LED lighting has become predominant. LEDs come in various shapes and colors, have a long lifespan, and quickly replace incandescent and fluorescent lamps. They emit very bright and clear light, and if the light turns on as quickly as an incandescent bulb, it is likely an LED. Recently, LED lights that mimic the filament of incandescent bulbs for interior design purposes have also been produced.
▣ The Danger of Mercury in Fluorescent Lamps
The essential material in fluorescent lamps is mercury (Hg), which is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen. The average mercury content in one fluorescent lamp is 25mg. If a fluorescent lamp breaks, the mercury inside can disperse into the air and cause problems. If it breaks in an open space and the gaseous mercury disperses into the atmosphere, it’s not as problematic. However, in enclosed spaces like homes or offices, inhaling mercury can be dangerous. Even small amounts of mercury can have severe effects on the brain and kidneys, so caution is required to avoid inhalation.
Mercury vapor can cause severe damage to the brain, and consuming food or water contaminated with mercury can adversely affect the kidneys. Diseases caused by mercury, such as Minamata disease, are well-documented. In the fishing village of Minamata in Japan, a nearby steel factory released mercury-containing wastewater into the ocean. This contaminated the seafood, leading to mercury poisoning in 111 residents, 47 of whom died from respiratory paralysis. By 1965, about 6,000 people experienced partial poisoning symptoms, including nerve damage in the hands and feet, sensory impairments, and walking disabilities.
About 140 million fluorescent lamps are discarded annually, releasing 3.3 tons of mercury each year. If not separated and recycled, but instead incinerated or landfilled, they can cause heavy metal pollution through leachate or exhaust gases. A study by the Gyeonggi Development Research Institute found that South Korean incinerators emit 1.5 times more mercury than those in advanced countries.
According to a 2015 study by Kyung Hee University on the efficient management of mercury-containing waste from fluorescent lamps, landfilling fluorescent lamps can lead to soil and groundwater contamination and pose a threat to human health through bioaccumulation in plants and animals.
Additionally, LED lights contain valuable metals such as gold (Au), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), gallium (Ga), and indium (In). Some LEDs also contain arsenic (As), a Group 1 carcinogen, which can cause soil pollution if simply landfilled. This necessitates special treatment for LED light waste as well.
▣ Collection Methods for Used Fluorescent Lamps in Advanced Countries
United States
Since 1989, the U.S. has developed technology to safely recover and recycle mercury from used fluorescent lamps. With strengthened regulations at the state level, the number of recycling companies has increased, and by the end of 2000, fluorescent lamp recycling had increased by 20%.
Austria
Austria applies a consumer deposit system to used fluorescent lamps. The sale price includes a deposit and disposal fee, which is refunded when the used lamp is returned to the retailer. For large users purchasing over 50 lamps a month, personal information and purchase details must be recorded, allowing them to buy lamps at a price excluding the deposit. The records are sent to waste management agencies for tracking.
Sweden
Since July 2001, Sweden has enforced an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system for electrical and electronic products, requiring consumers to return an equal number of old products when purchasing new ones. Producers must collect and process these products for free and provide necessary information to the Ministry of the Environment. Failure to meet standards or comply with obligations results in fines.
Taiwan
The Taiwanese Environmental Protection Administration designated used fluorescent lamps as recyclable waste in 2002 and began recycling in 2003. Most retailers and large wholesalers collect used lamps, and local governments follow guidelines to separate recyclables and send them to recycling facilities.
South Korea
In November 2000, the Ministry of Environment and the Korea Lighting Recycling Association signed a voluntary agreement with producers to implement the EPR system. This system mandates producers, importers, and retailers to recycle products like fluorescent lamps and batteries from the point of disposal.
▣ Proper Disposal of Used Fluorescent Lamps
Used fluorescent lamps, including straight (FL), circular (FCL), CFL, compact (FPL), and other mercury-containing lighting products, must be disposed of in designated fluorescent lamp collection bins located in apartment complexes or nearby community centers. If a lamp breaks, it should be placed in a non-combustible trash bag for disposal.
Because used fluorescent lamps contain hazardous mercury, unauthorized breaking can cause severe environmental pollution, making it legally mandatory to recycle them. Violations can result in fines according to local government regulations. Businesses subject to the Waste Management Act must properly recycle used fluorescent lamps by consigning them to the Korea Lighting Recycling Association.
In contrast, LED lights were typically discarded as general waste in volume-based trash bags. Despite containing valuable recyclable metals like aluminum, copper, and silver, they were not recycled due to a lack of collection methods. Starting in 2023, the EPR system also includes LED lighting, beginning with bulb-type and straight-type LEDs, which will be collected separately for recycling.