How To Dispose Of Light Bulbs Properly

In the us the states of california maine massachusetts minnesota new hampshire vermont and washington all prohibit throwing away.

How to dispose of light bulbs properly. It s a small trade off for the benefit of more efficient bulbs which last longer and require less coal or oil fired electricity. That can lead to short term health risk for exposed individuals and lasting environmental damage to soil and water. Cfl bulbs are considered hazardous waste in many areas and require a little more planning when it comes to disposal. How to dispose of led light bulbs light emitting diode or led light bulbs are about 90 percent more efficient than incandescent bulbs.

To dispose of light bulbs it s simple. The best way to dispose of incandescent lights to throw them in the trash with the other household items. Some bulb manufacturers and other organizations sell pre labeled recycling kits that allow you to mail used bulbs to recycling centers. The cost of each kit includes shipping charges to the recycling center.

Why do cfl bulbs need special disposal. And knowing how to dispose of led light bulbs is great. Lightbulb disposal 101 september 16 2019. Nearly every country and region has its own lightbulb disposal and recycling policy and there are many different types of bulbs each with their own special requirements.

Check your local laws. Cfl bulbs contain about 5 milligrams of mercury which can be toxic to the environment. These bulbs contain mercury which is toxic so many places have laws against disposing of them in the trash. You fill up a kit with old bulbs seal it and bring it to the post office or leave it for your postal carrier.

Check with your local garbage and recycling center to see if it is ok to dispose of fluorescents and cfls in the trash. They are not considered hazardous waste but still wrap them in a newspaper for the safety of sanitation workers. And while knowing how to dispose of cfl light bulbs is great. Incandescent bulbs can be thrown in the black trash bin but fluorescent compact fluorescent lamp cfl and light emitting diode led bulbs must be taken to a solvents automotive flammables and electronics safe center for disposal.

The electrical current passes through a microchip which. Some light bulbs are safe to trash while others contain components hazardous to the environment. Fluorescent tubes serve as an energy efficient alternative to incandescent light bulbs but they contain low levels of toxic mercury which can be released into the air or water if the tubes are broken.