Fluorescent Lamp Disposal

Where to recycle light bulbs.

Fluorescent lamp disposal.

Social distancing is strongly encouraged as is staying home. Visit earth911 to locate both retail and local government locations to recycle cfls and fluorescent tubes. However the brochure entitled fluorescent lamps and the environment contains general background information on fluorescent lamps such as why there is mercury in fluorescent lamps. Recycling cfls and other fluorescent bulbs allows reuse of the glass metals and other materials that make up fluorescent lights.

Luckily these tubes will last up to 15 000 hours so you won t need to worry about recycling them often. Fees may apply and will vary based on bulb type and store location. Many recycling locations have temporarily closed and we expect more to follow. Compact fluorescent lamps cfls.

The mercury inside fluorescent tube lights is hazardous so extra care should be taken to ensure that this material doesn t leak. It s a small trade off for the benefit of more efficient bulbs which last longer and require less coal or oil fired electricity. While compact fluorescent lightbulbs cfls have extensive recycling options through retail drop offs and mail in programs the same can t be said for fluorescent tubes. Maine vermont and washington state require stewardship.

Virtually all components of a fluorescent bulb can be recycled. Your area may prohibit disposal and or require recycling. Cfl bulbs contain about 5 milligrams of mercury which can be toxic to the environment. Cfl bulbs are considered hazardous waste in many areas and require a little more planning when it comes to disposal.

Given the current situation we encourage you to reserve your recycling for when the covid 19 pandemic has passed. Now that you have a basic understanding of the different types of light bulbs and lamps you can see that while it may seem complicated it is important to do your homework and dispose of your light bulbs responsibly. No matter the type of light bulb from fluorescent to incandescent to cfl to halogen it is always recommended to recycle used bulbs safely and properly. When your lamps and lights burn out choose a long lasting.

Why do cfl bulbs need special disposal. This is why batteries plus bulbs accepts all types of light bulbs for recycling. How to recycle fluorescent tubes. Recycle fluorescent lights cfls and hids at no charge throughout washington state.

Managing waste mercury lamps this website outlines the proper management recycling and transporting of waste mercury lamps including fluorescent tubes and many.