JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Joint Base Charleston-Weapons Station is making changes for a healthier environment by implementing a new policy regarding the disposal of fluorescent light bulbs and batteries. The changes are already in effect at Joint Base Charleston-Air Base.
The Environmental Protection Agency classifies these used items as universal waste and therefore must be disposed of separately from normal office trash. Although fluorescent light bulbs and batteries provide lower energy consumption for the base, they pose a risk to the environment. The classification is similar to hazardous waste.
Due to the primary substances used in these products, such as mercury and cadmium, they pose a risk when disposed of in large quantities. As much as one part per million of cadmium makes the item hazardous to the environment. For mercury, the actionable level is 0.2 parts per million.
In the past, when a fluorescent light bulb needed to be replaced, a call to the Public Works Trouble Desk could be made and the bulbs were replaced by a Public Works Electrical Shop employee within a day or two.
Under the new instruction WPNSTACHASN 5090.1E, building managers are now responsible for replacing fluorescent light bulbs where the ceiling height is 10 feet or less. Building managers will also need to manage used bulbs storage as universal waste.
Building managers at JB CHAS-WS will need to obtain a proper cardboard storage container for bulbs, designate a proper storage area and ensure the used bulbs are stored properly prior to pickup by the base's Environmental Department.
Batteries - including alkaline - which were often tossed into office trash cans after use, are required to be collected and stored properly as universal waste as well.
All batteries should be taped at the ends to prevent the contacts from touching the inside of the container. Additionally, batteries should be segregated by type. Alkaline, lithium and nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cad) batteries should each be collected and stored separately.
Containers of used bulbs and batteries must have a universal waste label, with the drum number, contact person and the accumulation start date filled in. The container must not be stored longer than six months from the start date.
The Environmental Office should be contacted for pickup when the containers are full or the six months is met.
If you have questions, the point of contact is Marsha Singleton at 764-4240. Ms. Singleton is also the base point of contact for issuing containers for waste storage.