A tanned bed may provide sun-kissed skin indoors, but presents a challenge when you reach the end of an easy-to-use life. Tanning Beds is a regular source of questions from Earth911 readers.
Sunburn beds are a prime example of the recycling difficulties that arise when industrial products are designed using many materials and dangerous components. It can be difficult to move, packed with mercury and PCBs, and tanning beds contain elements that require special handling to prevent environmental pollution and ensure public health.
Ultraviolet (UV) lamp: From the center, the tan bed is a UV lamp, often containing mercury – toxic metal It is dangerous to the health of humans and animals Aquatic lifespan. Proper handling when transporting fluorescent tubes is essential for safetybecause mercury can escape into the air when fluorescent lights are broken, or leach into soil and water sources when dumped in landfills.
Several states including California, Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont and Washington You need to recycle lamps containing mercury. Several hardware store chains such as Home Depottrue value, and Loweswe offer a recycling program for fluorescent lighting, but not all places accept tubes used in tanning beds, so call ahead before visiting the store using used tubes. Search for Earth911 recycle locator For drop-off positions of local fluorescent tubes.
ballast: Components that regulate current to the lamp, known as ballasts, may contain toxic metals or PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), which need to be carefully disposed of. Professional recycling centres or hazardous waste facilities are equipped to safely dispose of them –Search for Earth911 To find a place to recycle your local ballast.
Ballasts, usually constructed of metal and plastic, can be recycled after the dangerous ingredients have been removed. Many metal scrap companies These ballast materials can be treated and remove toxic elements before the metal is treated for reuse. Similarly, recycling programs usually require removing ballast from electronic products before drop-off.
If local fluorescence and ballast recycling are not available
If the local drop-off option is not available, various email-in programs offer safe, paid recycling programs for fluorescent tubes.
Old tanning beds need to be disassembled
It is technically possible for owners to disassemble the tanning bed for recycling, but is not recommended due to potential hazards.
- Mercury exposure. Breaking the UV lamp will release mercury vapor, creating an inhalation risk.
- Electrical danger: Improper handling of electrical components can lead to potentially fatal shocks.
Therefore, it is recommended to consult with a professional or service that is used to handling such equipment. Many California cities think you don’t need a tan bed, picking up old beds for recycling and asking for free fees. In communities without pickup services, Earth911 recommends contacting us GoloadupWe promise to handle the tanning bed components responsibly.
Manufacturer and Retailer Take-away Programs
In this writing, no manufacturer or retailer offers takeback or recycling programs to promote proper disposal of tanning beds. This means that responsibility rests on the owner. It may make more people think twice before buying a tan bed at home.
