Fluorescent bulbs are one of those wastes that the government has allowed some specific reliefs based on the degree of the hazard and the volume that needs to be managed.
Because of these reliefs, the government has categorized them as a “universal waste.” Specifically, “Universal Waste” is a general descriptive term used to describe wastes that are generated by a large, diverse population. Classifying an item as a universal waste provides flexibility from having being managed under the restrictions of the hazardous waste classification while still ensuring that the item is prevented from entering the municipal trash.