Hazardous Waste Disposal and Waste Recycle

Waste Recyling Information

Ballasts

Ballasts are used to power fluorescent light tubes.

Ballasts manufactured before 1979 may contain PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls).  PCBs are toxic chemicals that pose a health risk to people and the environment.  If a ballast is marked “no PCBs,” you can assume it does not contain PCBs.  If the ballast is not marked, assume it does contain PCBs.

• Store all ballasts in a leak-proof container in a secure area.
• Separate ballasts into containers with a label, either “Used PCB Ballasts,” or “Used Non-PCB Ballasts.”
• At Truax campus, Room 109B is the collection point, and has labeled collection bins.
• The ballasts will go from the collection point to the hazardous waste storage room.
• The EH&S Manager will have the ballasts recycled.

Contact the EH&S Office to coordinate pickup (x6291).

Back to Disposal and Recycling

If you have any questions contact the Environmental Health & Safety Office at (608) 246-6291 or via email

Comments regarding page to: EH&S Department
Last updated:  05/05/05