New rules went into effect this week to change the way hazardous lamps, such as fluorescent light bulbs containing mercury, are disposed, according to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.

“We changed our rules to put them in line with what is in place at the federal level,” Linda Oros, a spokesperson for Ohio EPA, said.

The new rules require lamp recyclers to have a hazardous waste storage permit. Also, waste generators, collectors and transporters must follow specific record keeping, storage and transportation requirements.

“The new hazardous waste regulation is geared toward businesses only,” Oros said. “But if homeowners are looking for a place to dispose of fluorescent light bulbs, the EPA has a list of local recycling centers on the website.”

Craig Wittig, the recycling coordinator at the University, said he heard about the rules change from the Division of Natural Resources and the University has already been through the procedure requirements.

“The rules change is a way of the EPA saying, we know there is a problem with these lamps, handle them differently,” Wittig said.

He also added that he thinks there are more rules changes still to come due to advances in technology that can detect hazardous material better.

“Technology changes need to bring about regulatory changes,” he said.

If not disposed properly, the mercury in the lamps can cause harm to both people and the environment. The closest place for individuals to recycle fluorescent light bulbs is Environmental Recycling located at 527 E. Woodland Circle.