Dispose hazardous UV lamps the green way
The use of UV lamps for curing or drying of inks (commonly known as UV curing) in the printing industry is considered eco-friendly. But the disposal of these UV lamps is equally important. This is because, UV lamps contain mercury which is hazardous.
26 Jun 2015 | 4714 Views | By Priya Raju
UV lamps have relatively high mercury content, and thus, cannot be disposed of by simply throwing them in a trash can. Hence, UV lamps must be disposed with appropriate, government authorised disposal facilities.
Mumbai-based Soham Technologies, has developed a system to dispose UV lamps as per the guidelines laid by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) Delhi.
Dilip Sawant, director, Soham Technologies, said, "Used and non-functioning UV lamps are considered as e-waste. They need to be disposed under ‘Hazardous Waste Rules 20033’ according to the ‘Guidelines for environmentally sound management of electronics waste’.”
Explaining the harmful effect, Sawant added, “Inhaling mercury vapours can cause harmful effects on human and cause nerve, brain and kidney damage, and lung irritation among other problems.”
“Due to ingestion by animals, they enter into our food chain system. This is harmful not only for the humans but also for the entire eco-system,” added Sawant.
Soham Technologies has a defined method and arrangement for disposal of even a single UV lamp. The company issues a ‘Green Certificate’ to the companies, who opt for lamp disposal. This certificate is vital for ISO 14000 and customer audit process. Some of the green certified companies are Skanem Interlabels, Essel Propack, TCPL, Parksons Packaging, Nebula, and Webtech among others across India.