NALMCO Certified Apprentice Lighting Technician (CALT) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT an option for disposal of failed mercury-containing lamps?

1. Use a lamp that is not characteristically hazardous and can be disposed in the municipal garbage

2. Recycle the lamp as universal waste

3. Donating them to charity or an applicable non-profit organization

4. Treat the lamp as hazardous waste and send it to a Federally approved incinerator

The correct answer is: Donating them to charity or an applicable non-profit organization

Donating failed mercury-containing lamps to charity or an applicable non-profit organization is not a viable disposal option. These lamps contain hazardous materials, specifically mercury, which poses health and environmental risks if mishandled. As a result, donating such items is not appropriate because, despite possibly being functional at one point, they are now considered hazardous and should not be given to others who might use them or dispose of them improperly. In contrast, using a non-hazardous lamp that can be disposed of in municipal garbage is acceptable because it does not contain harmful substances like mercury. Recycling the lamp as universal waste is another proper method, as it allows for safe processing and recovery of materials. Lastly, treating the lamp as hazardous waste and sending it to a federally approved incinerator is a recognized procedure for managing hazardous materials, ensuring they are disposed of safely according to regulatory standards.