Proposed code of practice for management of end-of-life lamps containing mercury: chapter 10

10. Disposal of Materials

If residual material cannot be recycled, then an appropriate and safe disposal option should be determined. Considerations for the disposal of mercury wastes include the following:

• Waste facilities should implement measures to prevent releases of mercury.

• Prior to disposal of mercury wastes in an engineered hazardous waste landfill, the waste should be treated or stabilized to meet all requirements for disposal in a landfill.

• Given that mercury in waste is emitted during incineration (i.e., mercury cannot be destroyed by incineration), the amount of mercury in the waste fed into the incinerator should be minimized, and the incinerator should be equipped with air pollution control devices in order to control emissions of mercury.

• Waste facilities should undertake monitoring and documentation, by qualified personnel, of facility releases and emissions of mercury to the environment (emissions, releases from landfills or run-offs, etc.).

• Inspection and testing of equipment and facilities should be carried out by a qualified independent third party on a regular basis, as required by applicable legislation and other requirements.