Overview on industrial recycling technologies and management strategies of end-of-life fluorescent lamps in Taiwan and other developed countries

In Taiwan, fluorescent lamps are most commonly used luminescent material for lighting purposes. Under current regulations of the waste disposal act of Taiwan, manufacturers and importers of fluorescent lamps must pay a scrap lamp processing fee of $0.87 USD/kg to the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) to support recycling. After collection of this processing fee, the EPA is then responsible for managing the process. Currently, a maximum subsidy of $0.96 USD/kg can be obtained by an eligible recycling plant if its valuable-material recovery rate is greater than 90 % and the mercury recovery rate exceeds 50 % from end-of-life fluorescent lamps. The end-of-life fluorescent lamp recycling process consists of removing the aluminum cap and lead-containing glass on both ends of the straight tube by cutting and subsequently blowing off the fluorescent powder contained therein, collecting the mercury vapor and the powder, and distilling the powder to recover mercury. This paper introduces the related knowledge of the management of end-of-life fluorescent lamp tubes, the recycling or reprocessing technologies and policies in Taiwan and other nations, where the information is provided for authorities as reference material; subsequent policies can then be taken into effect to reduce the environmental impact of fluorescent lamp tubes on Taiwan.