Why Are Fluorescent Light Ballasts Hazardous?

Wet Ballasts

• The liquid inside of older, wet ballasts is polychlorinated biphenyl -- a chemical banned in the US in 1978. PCB is known to cause cancer as well as liver, skin and reproductive disorders. The chemical is also known to cause environmental problems, including contaminating the soil and water supplies. Ballasts made after 1978 contain DEHP, di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, a clear and hazardous chemical that has the consistency of vegetable oil. DEHP is odorless and was used until 1991 when dry ballasts were introduced. Like PCB, DEHP can cause cancer and is hazardous to the environment.

Recycling Wet Ballasts

• Wet ballasts cannot be taken to your area landfill and need to be handled as hazardous waste. Contact a recycling service in your area, and ask if it takes wet ballasts. Wear rubber gloves, safety goggles or a face shield and a rubber apron when handling wet ballasts. This protective gear keeps any PCB or DEHP off of your skin and clothing. Also, do not smoke while handling wet ballasts as the liquid inside of the ballasts is flammable.

Dry Ballasts and Recycling

• You can take dry ballasts to any recycling center that accepts electronic waste, or you can take the components to a scrap metal dealer that may even pay you for the ballasts. Some landfills will accept dry ballasts. Wear rubber gloves when handling dry ballasts to keep any dirt and debris off of your hands.

Determining Ballast Type

• Due to the liquid in wet ballasts, they are heavier than dry ballasts. Handle all ballasts with care, and always wear gloves when touching the components. Dry ballasts usually contain a “non-PCB” label to let you know the components are not wet. But not all dry ballasts contain the label.