Research on recycle of waste fluorescent lamp glasses and use as mineral filler in asphalt mixture

In this study, utilization of waste fluorescent lamp as mineral filler in asphalt mixture was investigated. The phosphorus powder of fluorescent lamps was removed by sieving and washing of the samples. Toxicity of waste lamps was investigated. Glass sample was used in the ratio of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% to mineral filler. Optimum bitumen ratio was determined using super-pave mixing method which requires volumetric properties of the mixtures. Finally, indirect tensile tests were carried out on the dry and wet samples. Results of toxicity test indicated that glass of waste lamp was not classified as hazardous waste after washing. Indirect tensile test show that dry resistance values of the sample containing waste glass were similar to control sample. However, after the samples were conditioned, indirect tensile test show that wet values were significantly decreased by increasing glass content. As a result, when the glass of waste fluorescent lamp was used as mineral filler, the asphalt mixtures became more sensitive to moisture. Since this sensitivity will not be important, it is recommended to use waste fluorescent lamp glasses as a mineral filler for the “binder layer” that is not directly exposed to contact with water. Graphical abstract