How to determine whether PCB is contained

The disposal period for high-concentration PCB waste ended on March 31, 2023.
In this web page and city-issued guides, etc., information on how to determine and dispose of high-concentration PCB waste that was posted during the disposal period is posted for reference, but transformers, condensers, etc. The disposal period has ended on March 31, 2022, and ballasts and pollutants, etc., on March 31, 2023.
If you find high-concentration PCB waste, please contact the City of Yokohama, Resources and Waste Recycling Bureau Business Waste Management Section (Phone number: 045-671-2513) immediately.

　Transformers and condensers used in high-voltage power receiving equipment installed in buildings and factories may contain PCBs.
　Investigate whether you have stopped using electrical equipment in cubicles or warehouses.
　When investigating equipment during powering, be sure to consult with the chief electrical engineer as there is a risk of electric shock.

(a) How to determine whether it is a high-concentration PCB or not
　Some transformers and condensers manufactured from 1953 to 1972 use high-concentration PCBs.
　Transformers, condensers, etc. containing high-concentration PCBs can be identified by checking the nameplate attached to the equipment.
　Based on the information on the nameplate, contact each manufacturer or refer to the website of the Japan Electric Industry Association (outside site) to determine.

(b) How to determine whether it is a low-concentration PCB
　Condensers have been manufactured since 1991 (*1) and transformers have been manufactured since 1994 (*2,3) and do not contain PCBs.
　　（※1） Regarding capacitors made of nichicon (outside site), PCB contamination has been reported since 1991.
　　（※2） No replacement of insulating oil or maintenance related to insulating oil has been performed.
　　（※3） For some equipment manufactured by Fuji Electric (outside site), it is said that there is a possibility of PCB contamination remaining in equipment shipped by 1994.
　Electrical equipment manufactured before the above year of manufacture may contain trace amounts of PCBs.
　Based on the information on the nameplate, we contact each manufacturer, and if the possibility of trace PCB contamination cannot be ruled out, we will analyze the insulating oil of electrical equipment and analyze it.
　Measure the PCB concentration.

　Reference: Ministry of the Environment PCB Early Processing Information Site (outside site)

　When analyzing insulating oil in electrical equipment, if the oil is collected unnecessarily, the oil containing the PCB may leak to the outside and the surrounding environment may be contaminated.
　For PCB analysis of insulating oil, ask a professional analyzer.

　Reference: Yokohama City Environmental Technology Council (outside site)（045-782-1170）

　Business buildings (*) built before March 1977 may have ballasts using PCBs.
　　（※） Common areas, warehouses, etc. of apartments such as factories, buildings, condominiums and apartments are eligible.
　　　　　No household lighting fixtures have PCBs used.
　　　　　Conduct surveys including buildings that have been used for business use in the past.

　Check the contents of the label of the lighting equipment or the nameplate of the ballast to check whether it is a ballast using PCB.
　Lighting equipment in use may cause electric shock, so consult an electric contractor or a specialized research company if possible.
　If you would like to introduce an electrician, please contact the Resources and Waste Recycling Bureau Business Waste Management Section Weight Reduction Promotion Section (045-671-2513).
　Please contact us. Transfer to the electric construction industry association (Kanagawaken Denki Koji Industrial Association).

　PCBs may have been used for ballasts manufactured from 1957 to 1972.
　A ballast containing PCB can be determined by checking the nameplate attached to the ballast.
　Based on the information on the nameplate, contact each manufacturer or refer to the website of the Japan Lighting Manufacturers Association (outside site) to determine.

　Reference: Ministry of the Environment PCB Early Processing Information Site (outside site)

　In addition to transformers, condensers, and ballasts, PCBs may also be used for electrical equipment such as X-ray generators, welders, elevator control panels, etc. manufactured and sold by 1993.
　In addition, appropriate treatment is required for PCB oil, pollutants with PCB oil, pressure-sensitive copying paper, coating film, etc., according to concentration.

The following materials show the status of PCB usage of manufactured equipment of the four companies that are members of the Japan Inspection Equipment Manufacturers Association.
・ Industrial X-ray inspection equipment (PDF: 170KB) that may have used high-concentration PCB-containing insulating oil (PDF: 170KB)
For manufacturing equipment other than the four companies, please contact the manufacturer directly.

Please refer to the Japan Image Medical System Manufacturers Association website (outside site) or contact the manufacturer directly.

Please refer to the Japan Analytical Equipment Manufacturers Association website (outside site) or contact the manufacturer directly.

The following materials show the usage status of PCBs manufactured by 13 companies that are members of the Japan Welding Association.
・ Welders using high-concentration PCB-containing capacitors (PDF: 115KB)
For manufacturing equipment other than 13 companies, please contact the manufacturer directly.

Please contact the building elevator maintenance company.

Please check the manufacturer of the condenser and contact us directly.

Determined by concentration analysis determined for each property. If you have any questions about the need for analysis or how to analyze it, please contact the City of Yokohama, Resources and Waste Recycling Bureau Business Waste Management Section (Phone number: 045-671-2513).