Although fluorescent lamps (FL) are being replaced by LED (light emitting diode), most FL are disposed of improperly and recycling rates are still generally low (4 percent in China, 5 percent in Brazil, 7 percent in Canada, less than 10 percent in Japan). Because of their composition, FL can have a significant environmental impact. Thus, in the present study, we used different analytical techniques with the objective of characterizing the raw phosphor material of FL, quantifying the elements mobilized by synthetic landfill leachate and acid rain solutions, and evaluating the environmental impacts related to the disposal of lamps through life cycle analysis (LCA) for the city of Rio de Janeiro scenario. The analysis of the raw material by fluorescence and X-ray diffraction (FRX and DRX) points to a complex composition of solid phases, with a predominance of Ca, P and Al, presence of rare earth elements, As and others. Through microwave-assisted near-total acid extraction, concentrations varying from 1 to 165 g kg-1 were found for Al, Ba, Ce, Eu, La, Mn, P, Sr, and Y in the raw material, and more than 700 mg kg-1 of Hg. Leaching with synthetic solutions was performed with and without agitation, with 0.6 g of sample, 1 mL of solutions, and 3 h of exposure. The test produced the mobilization of several elements with concentrations reaching 23.5 more or less 0.4 mg kg-1 (Hg) in acid rain, and 34.0 more or less 1.0 mg kg-1 (Sr) in landfill leachate. Due to the danger of some elements, the amounts extracted, although low, are worrying, and consecutive leaching, common in a real disposal scenario, can aggravate the situation. The life cycle analysis indicated that the lamps generate greater environmental impacts in the categories of terrestrial ecotoxicity, non-carcinogenic human toxicity, global warming potential and depletion of fossil resources. The analysis indicated that increasing recycling rates can reduce most impacts to the environment by 70 to 90 percent.