- 1Handle with extreme care - contains pressurized components
- 2Never remove outer jacket if damaged
- 3Keep in original packaging or sturdy container
- 4Wear safety equipment when handling
- 5Allow to cool completely before handling
- 6Document quantities for commercial recycling
- Commercial lamp recyclers
- Hazardous waste facilities
- Electrical supply houses
- Industrial recyclers
NEVER put in regular trash. Contains mercury and other hazardous materials. Commercial quantities require manifested disposal. Some types contain lead and cadmium.
HID lamps contain 15-100mg of mercury plus other metals. Proper recycling recovers mercury, aluminum, and rare metals while preventing groundwater contamination.
Accepted
- Metal halide lamps (all wattages)
- High-pressure sodium lamps
- Mercury vapor lamps
- Low-pressure sodium lamps
- Ceramic metal halide (CMH/CDM)
- Automotive HID headlights
Not Accepted
- Broken lamps with exposed arc tube
- Lamps with damaged outer jacket
- Unknown lamp types without identification
Estimated value: $1.50-5.00 per lamp in recovered materials
Manufacturer/Retail Take‑Back
- Mercury (15-100mg)
- Lead
- Cadmium
- Sodium
- Pressurized arc tube
What's the difference between HID types?
Metal halide produces white light, high-pressure sodium produces yellow/orange light, and mercury vapor produces blue-white light. All contain mercury.
Can I handle a broken HID lamp?
No. If the outer jacket is damaged, do not handle. Contact hazmat professionals immediately as the inner arc tube is under pressure and contains concentrated mercury.
Why are HID lamps being replaced?
LED technology now matches HID output while using 50-70% less energy and lasting 3-5 times longer without mercury concerns.