How do I know if a ballast has PCBs?

To find out if your GE Lighting ballast contains PCBs, look for the two-letter date code that's stamped into the mounting feet at one end of the fluorescent ballast, and then check the chart below to find the month and year of manufacture. Ballasts manufactured after January 1, 1979, do not contain PCBs.

Also know, how do you dispose of ballasts with PCBs?

You may be able to dispose of a few intact ballasts containing PCBs the same as ordinary trash or at a household hazardous waste collection event or drop-off location sponsored by your county, city, or waste disposal district or company.

Similarly, what are the problems with fluorescent light bulbs and ballasts that contain PCBs? Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were commonly used in the small capacitor within fluorescent light ballasts. Ballasts manufactured through 1979 may contain PCBs. PCB-containing ballasts become a concern if they are leaking or they will be removed and disposed of as hazardous waste.

Consequently, do electronic ballasts contain PCB?

Ballasts are devices that regulate the flow of electricity to the lamps. Some ballasts contain regulated material: circuit boards (e-waste), PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls- a toxic chemical) and batteries.

What is a non PCB ballast?

Non PCB Light Ballast If the label reads “contains no PCBs” or “no PCBs” it is a non PCB ballast. If that phrase is not located on the label, you must assume the ballast to be the PCB type. Contact the UB EHS Hazardous Waste Manager if assistance is required to properly identify a type of ballast.

33 Related Question Answers Found

How much is a ballast for scrap?

You can check out website to view the 30-day average so it can help you determine when it's a good time to bring in your ballasts for recycling.

Ballasts Historical Scrap Prices.

(Last Modified: March 3rd, 2020, 8:02 am)
Metal/Material	Current Price
#1 Bare Bright Wire	$2.15/lb
#1 Copper Tubing/Flashing	$1.94/lb

What is inside a ballast?

This lamp consists of a glass tube filled with an inert gas (usually argon) at low pressure. On each side of the tube you will find a tungsten electrode. The ballast regulates AC power to the electrodes. Older lamps used a starter to get the lamp going.

What is the black stuff in a ballast?

PCBs are contained within the light ballasts' capacitors and in the ballasts' potting material (a black tarlike substance used to protect the capacitor). As the ballast ages, it can overheat causing a burning or smoky odor or in some cases, causing tar from the potting material or oil to drip from the fixture.

How do ballasts work?

In its simplest form, a ballast uses magnetic energy that erupts into the lamp when it is turned on, stimulating the electrodes to make a current and the lamp glows.

Where can I recycle ballasts?

To locate your nearest depot, visit the Product Care Recycling website, or call the RCBC Recycling Hotline. Many locations also accept light ballasts for recycling, provided they do NOT contain Polychlorinated Biphenyl, or PCB, based oils.

What is in a fluorescent ballast?

Simply put, the ballast is the heart of a fluorescent light fixture sending energy (pumping blood) through the lamp. A ballast provides the correct amount of voltage to start the lamps and regulates the amount of current that flows to them once they're on.

Are light ballasts universal waste?

Just like CFL light bulbs, universal waste regulations require proper disposal of lamps and ballasts through either recycling or hazardous waste landfills. Each fluorescent lamp contains around four milligrams of mercury, which means one hundred fluorescent lamps contain four grams of mercury.

Are non PCB ballasts universal waste?

In addition, most universal waste lamps are recycled. Non-PCB ballasts that are recycled as scrap metal are excluded from regulation as a hazardous waste. If the non-PCB ballasts are hazardous and you wish to dispose of them, they must be managed as a hazardous waste and sent to a permitted hazardous waste facility.

How much does a PCB ballast weigh?

PCB Ballast Disposal Costs

Typical F40 ballasts weigh about 3.5 lbs., and F96 ballasts weigh about 8 lbs.

How do you get PCBs out of your body?

The main PCB elimination routes are through the faeces, urine, and breast milk. Once in the gastrointestinal tract, ingested PCBs diffuse across cell membranes and enter blood vessels and the lymphatic system.

What is the meaning of PCB?

PCB. Stands for "Printed Circuit Board." A PCB is a thin board made of fiberglass, composite epoxy, or other laminate material. Conductive pathways are etched or "printed" onto board, connecting different components on the PCB, such as transistors, resistors, and integrated circuits.

Are magnetic ballasts recyclable?

While federal law says ballasts with non-leaking, PCB containing ballast are not hazardous waste that does not release the organization or individual from Superfund liability if a cleanup is required. The only safe and reasonable course is to recycle magnetic ballasts.

Do magnetic ballasts have PCBs?

Electronic ballasts do not contain PCBs or any other hazardous materials. Magnetic ballasts, on the other hand, are outdated technology and commonly contain PCBs. Check the ballast's manufacturing date. If you know the ballast was installed or manufactured before 1978, it most likely contains PCBs.

Can you throw away light fixtures?

Follow your community's disposal policies. You may be told to put bulbs and fixtures into the trash bin and dispose of them with normal household waste. You may recycle broken light fixtures (as New York City does) if they're made from metal, glass or plastic material.

How do you dispose of fluorescent light fixtures?

How to Dispose of Fluorescent Tubes Safely

Source.
These tubes are considered universal waste and can be dropped off at a universal waste handler in large or small quantities.
Head to your local Batteries Plus Bulbs store.
You can also call 800-CLEAN-UP for help finding an appropriate disposal center near you.

What is PCB chemical?

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of manmade chemicals. They are oily liquids or solids, clear to yellow in color, with no smell or taste. PCBs are very stable mixtures that are resistant to extreme temperature and pressure. PCBs were used widely in electrical equipment like capacitors and transformers.

How do you check a ballast?

You can determine whether you have a compatible fixture in seconds. Simply turn the light on, then take a photo of the fixture using your smartphone or digital camera. If there are no dark bands on the resulting image, you have an electronic ballast that will work with direct drop-in LED tubes.