Where To Recycle Long Fluorescent Bulbs

Now all fluorescent lamps and tubes must be recycled or taken to a household hazardous waste disposal facility a universal waste handler e g storage facility or broker or an authorized recycling facility.

Where to recycle long fluorescent bulbs. The dnr recommends that even green fluorescent bulbs be recycled because they often do contain measurable amounts of mercury. This means cfl and fluorescent bulbs are accepted at most hhw facilities and home depot and lowe s. Recycling cfls and other fluorescent bulbs allows reuse of the glass metals and other materials that make up fluorescent lights. 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.

Stores such as the home depot lowe s batteries plus ikea and independent hardware chains will do the recycling for you. Energy efficient light bulbs save you money and help the environment by using less electricity. Virtually all components of a fluorescent bulb can be recycled. 66273 8 contact the california department of toxic substances control.

Currently most recycling centers only accept fluorescent tubes and cfl bulbs as these contain mercury a precious metal making it valuable. Fees may apply and will vary based on bulb type and store location. Your area may prohibit disposal and or require recycling. The easiest option is to take your old bulbs to your local home center or hardware store when buying new ones.

Why recycle fluorescent tubes. If you only have a few fluorescent light bulbs needing recycling you may be able to take advantage of your local county s household hazardous waste hhw drop off site. There s no recycling market for broken fluorescent lamps. This is why batteries plus bulbs accepts all types of light bulbs for recycling.

For cfls in particular there are several recycling options. Some cfl bulb manufacturers may also provide pre labeled containers for recycling used bulbs through the mail. Dave lake of colerain township has been replacing his unattractive fluorescent light bulbs in his home with new led bulbs. So he has been taking his old bulbs to lowe s and home depot for.

Other materials in the bulbs get reused. First try to buy your bulbs at a store that will take them back for recycling. The mercury is also hazardous allowing these bulbs to be classified as universal waste. You don t want it to break in your car.