A resolution of CONAMA (Brazilian National Council of Environment) requires the correct disposal of waste classified as hazardous to human health and environment, and standards such as NBR 10004 of ABNT (Brazilian Association of Technical Standards) classify metallic vapor lamps as Class I waste (hazardous).

Standard NR-15 of the Ministry of Labor describing activities and operations in hazardous sites indicates mercury as one of the main hazardous agents for worker health.

For these reasons the states and municipalities that are aware of the importance of the question have acted in advance and prepared laws enforcing correct disposal of this waste.