Should I recycle my Non-PCB ballasts?
The answer is YES! Beginning in 1979, manufacturers replaced PCB’s with DEHP (Di-Ethhylhexyl Phthalate). DEHP is listed as a hazardous substance under the EPA's Superfund regulations. Generators discarding of light ballasts should take the same precautions with their DEHP ballasts as they do with their PCB ballasts to avoid any future liabilities.
Newer technology ballasts no longer contain a small capacitor with DEHP. They now contain electronic circuit boards. These circuit boards may contain the same heavy metals that similar circuit boards found in computers contain. These Electronic ballasts may become regulated by the Federal or State Government in the near future as E-Scrap. Groundwater contamination caused by heavy metals from these ballasts can lead to a financial environmental liability for your business.