Fluorescent Light Disposal

But it is a good idea to.

Fluorescent light disposal.

In some areas it s actually illegal to dispose of fluorescent tubes in the trash so be sure to follow the proper steps in recycling your fluorescent tubes to avoid breaking the law or damaging people s health. Virtually all components of a fluorescent bulb can be recycled. Luckily these tubes will last up to 15 000 hours so you won t need to worry about recycling them often. Disposal of fluorescent light ballasts flb polychlorinated biphenyls pcbs were commonly used in the small capacitor within fluorescent light ballasts.

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. Cfl bulbs are considered hazardous waste in many areas and require a little more planning when it comes to disposal. Luckily under the environmental protection agency s epa universal waste rule many mercury containing light bulbs can be treated as non hazardous waste if properly recycled. 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.

So he has been taking his old bulbs to lowe s and home depot for recycling. Managing and recycling cfls. How to recycle fluorescent tubes. They also accept and recycle almost any type of light bulb so you can make one trip and take care of all your old light bulbs at once.

Many recycling locations have temporarily closed and we expect more to follow. Not many retailers collect fluorescent bulbs but some do you can try any local batteries plus bulb store located throughout the united states. Dave lake of colerain township has been replacing his unattractive fluorescent light bulbs in his home with new led bulbs. Fees may apply and will vary based on bulb type and store location.

It s a small trade off for the benefit of more efficient bulbs which last longer and require less coal or oil fired electricity. Recycling cfls and other fluorescent bulbs allows reuse of the glass metals and other materials that make up fluorescent lights. Ballasts manufactured through 1979 may contain pcbs. Why do cfl bulbs need special disposal.

Cfl bulbs contain about 5 milligrams of mercury which can be toxic to the environment. Pcb containing ballasts become a concern if they are leaking or they will be removed and disposed of as hazardous waste. Given the current situation we encourage you to reserve your recycling for when the covid 19 pandemic has passed. The epa recommended method for the safe disposal of all types of fluorescent light bulbs is actually recycling.

According to epa. Social distancing is strongly encouraged as is staying home. Your area may prohibit disposal and or require recycling.