MRc7 - Spent Lamps - Is A Bulb Crusher a Good Solution?

Myria, although I've seen these units in action I've not placed them into the EB program. The basics of LEED EB require ‘safe handling’ and ‘compliant disposal’.

Obviously all building operator know how to handle mercury containing fixtures (or at least they should) and different jurisdictions require various methods for safe disposal (check with the local waste disposal website in your area)..However, if we take California as being the ‘market leader’ then this extract from their website covers the minimum for handling:

All fluorescent lamps and tubes must be recycled, or taken to a household hazardous waste disposal facility, a universal waste handler (e.g., storage facility or broker), or an authorized recycling facility. (Title 22, division 4.5, chapter 23, section 66273.8

But this following note is important:

Note: Operating a fluorescent lamp/tube crusher in California would be considered hazardous waste treatment. Operating a fluorescent lamp crusher in California would require a "standardized permit" from the Department of Toxic Substances Control. Contact the DTSC office near you for more information on standardized treatment permits before you invest in a fluorescent lamp crusher.

So from these two I would approach the ‘crusher’ company and get details from them as to the ‘safety aspects’ of their equipment, codes and standards that they adhere to and full specs of the unit and any ‘standardized permits’
Second. Then what happens to the contents of the bin once it is full…where does it go, standards of disposal, weigh bills are very important, etc etc. With that all written out and a few photos you should be good for upload to the relevant credits.