16 12 37*, 20 01 21* Fluorescent lamps and other mercury-containing waste
Fluorescent lamps are an important element of modern lighting, providing high efficiency and energy saving. However, their use creates serious environmental problems associated with hazardous waste containing mercury. Considering the increase in the number of used lamps, it is necessary to develop effective methods of environmental management of hazardous waste from fluorescent lamps and other mercury-containing waste.
Fluorescent lamps contain a small amount of mercury, which is necessary for their operation. If this lamp is broken or mishandled, mercury can be released into the environment, posing a threat to the environment and human health. Every year, millions of fluorescent lamps go out of use, and their improper handling leads to significant pollution.
It should also be noted that other mercury-containing waste, such as batteries, thermometers and some electronic devices, also pose a major threat. All these wastes require a special approach for collection, treatment and safe disposal (D10).
Each year, the amount of mercury-containing waste increases as technology continues to use mercury in its products. In addition, mercury is a very persistent substance that does not decompose in the environment, which increases the problem of its neutralization. This creates the need to implement more effective methods of hazardous waste management in order to minimize the impact on the environment and human health.
Fluorescent lamps and other mercury-containing waste. Code according to the National list of waste 16 12 37*, 20 01 21*. Operations in accordance with Annexes 1, 2 to the Law of Ukraine “On Waste Management” D10, D15, R12.
A pity for the environment and people
Mercury is one of the most dangerous pollutants that can accumulate in ecosystems and food chains. It can get into the soil, water and air, where it can retain its toxicity for a long time. Operations for the collection, sorting, crushing and treatment of hazardous waste (D15) fluorescent lamps and other mercury-containing waste are critical to reducing mercury exposure to the environment.
Effects of mercury pollution include:
- loss of biodiversity;
- pollution of water resources;
- accumulation of toxic substances in the organisms of animals and plants;
- failure of natural ecosystems.
Mercury pollution also causes a chain reaction that can affect all living things. For example, mercury that gets into water can accumulate in fish, which then become a source of food for other animals and people. Thus, mercury pollution has a global character and affects all levels of the ecosystem.
In addition, mercury can affect water quality, which leads to changes in the physical and chemical properties of water resources. This, in turn, affects the flora and fauna of water bodies, which can lead to the death of many types of organisms.
Pity for people
Mercury poses a serious threat to human health. It can enter the body through the skin, inhalation of steam or consumption of contaminated products. Even small doses of mercury can lead to serious medical problems.
The main health risks include:
- disruption of the central nervous system;
- kidney and liver damage;
- problems with the cardiovascular system;
- developmental disorders in children and pregnant women.
Long-term exposure to mercury on the human body can lead to chronic diseases. For example, constant contact with mercury can cause impaired vision, hearing, coordination of movements, and also cause mental disorders. The effect of mercury on children is especially dangerous, because their bodies are still developing and are more vulnerable to toxic substances.
In addition, mercury can affect the reproductive system, reducing the ability to conceive and increasing the risk of miscarriage. Exposure to mercury in pregnant women can lead to serious complications during pregnancy, including delayed fetal development and birth defects.
Ways to reduce harm
In order to reduce the harmful effects of mercury-containing waste, it is necessary to apply effective methods of ecological management of hazardous waste from fluorescent lamps and other mercury-containing waste. This includes the development and implementation of policies aimed at reducing the use of mercury, as well as ensuring the safe storage, transport and treatment of such waste.
Main activities include:
- creating special hazardous waste collection centers;
- implementation of technologies to reduce the amount of mercury in lamps and other devices;
- increasing public awareness of the dangers of mercury and ways to safely handle it;
- implementation of programs for recycling and safe destruction of mercury-containing waste (R12).
Methods of environmental management of hazardous waste from fluorescent lamps and other mercury-containing waste must include the integration of new technologies that allow reducing the use of mercury in products. This can be achieved by replacing mercury with less toxic materials or introducing new production methods.
In addition, it is necessary to ensure the proper transportation of hazardous waste from fluorescent lamps and other mercury-containing waste to specialized centers where they will be safely stored and processed. It is also important to implement control and monitoring systems to ensure safety at all stages of hazardous waste management.
Raising public awareness of the dangers of mercury is a key element in reducing its environmental and health impacts. Information campaigns, educational programs and public involvement in the waste management process can significantly reduce the level of pollution.
UtilVtorProm company
The UtilVtorProm company is a leader in the field of environmental management of hazardous waste in Ukraine. We specialize in the collection, sorting, crushing and processing of hazardous waste from fluorescent lamps and other mercury-containing waste. Our services include the transportation of hazardous waste fluorescent lamps and other mercury-containing waste for their safe storage and destruction.
We use the most modern technologies and equipment to ensure the highest standards of environmental safety. Our specialists have extensive experience in this field and are ready to help our customers with any questions related to hazardous waste management.
Our company is committed to preserving the environment and ensuring a healthy future for future generations. We offer comprehensive solutions for the safe management of hazardous waste, including all stages - from collection to safe destruction.
The UtilVtorProm company provides consultations and support on all issues related to the environmental management of hazardous waste. We work in close cooperation with state bodies, scientific institutions and public organizations to achieve our common goals - preserving the environment and reducing the level of pollution.
Why choose us
Professional waste management with care for the environment
Modern equipment
We use the latest technologies for efficient processing
Wide range of services
Comprehensive solutions for all types of waste
Comprehensive approach
Full management cycle from collection to disposal
Qualified staff
Experienced specialists with relevant certificates
All types of waste
We work with industrial waste
Over 10 years in the market
Reliable partner for businesses and organizations
Customer Reviews
Radchenko Yevhen
01.11.2023Thank you very much for the speed of work. Permits were the main criterion for choosing a contractor. We did not expect that it would be so easy to work with this company. Decent professionals in their field.
Tkachuk Volodymyr
05.12.2023Hello. Thank you for your cooperation. We were advised by our suppliers to come here for environmental hazardous waste management issues. The cost of services is underestimated. The quality exceeds the cost several times. Order here.
Didenko Yana
15.01.2024Hello. Thanks for the quality work. The choice settled on this environmental hazardous waste management company. I liked the approach to hazardous waste management. It is immediately obvious that the work is done by professionals. They took into account all the nuances that even we didn’t know about. The best in the business. Contact us.
Tkachenko Oleksandr
11.02.2024Hello everyone. I would like to leave a review. We didn’t contact them right away and wasted time on other contractors, which we regret. It would be better to come here right away. Operations for collecting, sorting, crushing and treating hazardous waste are no longer a burden. Convenient and easy to work with. The best company in Ukraine. We recommend.
Nazar Petrenko
15.02.2025UtilVtorProm delivered a well-coordinated environmental service focused on hazardous waste handling for our company. Transportation and processing were carried out smoothly and reliably.
Kateryna Oliinyk
14.05.2025UtilVtorProm provided consistent environmental support with clear oversight of all waste-related stages. Their structured coordination ensured stable operations.
Leave a Review
Share your experience working with us
