How to Recycle Light Bulbs

With the push to use more green light bulbs in our homes and offices, the obvious concern of many consumers is carrying out proper energy-saving light bulb disposal that doesn’t harm the environment. It’s no secret that Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) have a small amount of mercury sealed within their glass tubing. The same is true of linear fluorescent tubes, leaving consumers wondering how to recycle their light bulbs.

Without mercury, these lamps could not operate. Since mercury is a naturally occurring element (Hg on the periodic table) which is toxic to humans, this might seem troublesome. However, for a couple of reasons, it shouldn’t be:

1. No mercury is released when the bulbs remain intact or in use.
2. Fluorescent lamps are significantly more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs. Their use reduces electricity consumption, the main source of mercury emissions (from coal-fired power plants) in the U.S.

The key to success is to recycle light bulbs containing mercury at the end of their useful life. Recycling keeps harmful mercury vapor out of landfills, groundwater and the atmosphere.

Ensuring Proper Energy-Saving Light Bulb Disposal

Fortunately, proper energy-saving light bulb disposal is getting more convenient all the time. A great knowledge resource is www.lamprecycle.org sponsored by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA). This site will help you narrow your search for an option that makes it convenient for you to recycle fluorescent light bulbs and protect the environment.

For our part, we offer Waste Management’s LampTracker Compact Fluorescent Recycling Kit. This is an inexpensive solution for disposing of new energy-efficient light bulbs by collecting, storing and recycling them the right way. We also sell the LampTracker Battery Recycling Kit, so you can avoid tossing dead dry cell batteries into the trash. Still have a few more questions? See why it’s important to recycle light bulbs properly.

One last word: if you own or are purchasing CFLs for their superior energy efficiency, please pledge to yourself that you’ll responsibly recycle them at the end of their life. Mercury-free options exist for those who are uncomfortable with this commitment.