New York State and federal laws prohibit the disposal of specific types of light bulbs through the general waste stream by City agencies. These bulbs include fluorescent, high intensity discharge (HID), neon, mercury vapor, high pressure sodium, and metal halide.

On June 1, 2006, the Division of School Facilities (DSF) initiated an Interim Light Bulb Disposal and Recycling Program which defined the proper procedures to be used in the handling of light bulbs containing heavy metals. DSF subsequently issued Circular No. 3-2006/07 (http://www.opt-osfns.org/Destination/CMS/Upload/circulars/03_2006_07.pdf) to all Custodian Engineers and Building Managers detailing the official Light Bulb Recycling Program. To assist custodians' compliance, DSF partnered with Northeast Lamp Recycling, Inc. (NLR). NLR provides the transportation of the used bulbs to their recycling facility where the bulbs are properly prepared and processed for disposal.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this program, please contact your Deputy Director of Facilities. For contact information visit http://www.opt-osfns.org/dsf/.