Fluorescent Light Disposal

Fees may apply and will vary based on bulb type and store location.

Fluorescent light disposal.

Managing and recycling cfls. The mercury inside fluorescent tube lights is hazardous so extra care should be taken to ensure that this material doesn t leak. 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. This is why batteries plus bulbs accepts all types of light bulbs for recycling.

The epa recommended method for the safe disposal of all types of fluorescent light bulbs is actually recycling. Recycling cfls and other fluorescent bulbs allows reuse of the glass metals and other materials that make up fluorescent lights. Cfl bulbs are considered hazardous waste in many areas and require a little more planning when it comes to disposal. Your area may prohibit disposal and or require recycling.

Recycle fluorescent lights cfls and hids at no charge throughout washington state. It s a small trade off for the benefit of more efficient bulbs which last longer and require less coal or oil fired electricity. Disposal of fluorescent light ballasts flb polychlorinated biphenyls pcbs were commonly used in the small capacitor within fluorescent light ballasts. 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.

So he has been taking his old bulbs to lowe s and home depot for recycling. 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. Dave lake of colerain township has been replacing his unattractive fluorescent light bulbs in his home with new led bulbs. Cfl bulbs contain about 5 milligrams of mercury which can be toxic to the environment.

Ballasts manufactured through 1979 may contain pcbs. But it is a good idea to. Not many retailers collect fluorescent bulbs but some do you can try any local batteries plus bulb store located throughout the united states. Many recycling locations have temporarily closed and we expect more to follow.

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. Pcb containing ballasts become a concern if they are leaking or they will be removed and disposed of as hazardous waste. Why do cfl bulbs need special disposal. How to recycle fluorescent tubes.

Given the current situation we encourage you to reserve your recycling for when the covid 19 pandemic has passed. Social distancing is strongly encouraged as is staying home. Luckily these tubes will last up to 15 000 hours so you won t need to worry about recycling them often.