How To Throw Out Fluorescent Light Bulbs Nyc

The epa recommended method for the safe disposal of all types of fluorescent light bulbs is actually recycling.

How to throw out fluorescent light bulbs nyc. Environmentally friendly leds will save you a ton on your con ed bill. 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. When broken incinerated or buried in a landfill they release mercury into the air water and soil and endanger human health and the environment. Find a recycling center near you.

Incandescent or led bulbs can go in the trash but be sure to double bag them for safety. Since incandescent bulbs do not contain toxic materials they are typically fine to simply throw in the trash. Ikea recycle unbroken cfls at ikea in red hook brooklyn click here for a store locator. Throw away incandescent bulbs.

Lowes accepts unbroken cfl bulbs. The thin bulb glass is typically fragile though so many people suggest putting the bulb back in its original packaging to keep it from shattering. Disposal options for fluorescent and hid lamps in new york state. Home depot drop off expired unbroken bulbs at the returns counter click here for a store locator.

How to dispose of cfl and fluorescent light bulbs unlike incandescent bulbs cfl compact fluorescent light bulbs contain a small amount of mercury about 4 milligrams of the toxic metal. Fluorescent and hid 1 lamps contain mercury. That can lead to short term health risk for exposed individuals and lasting environmental damage to soil and water. Light bulbs if it s a compact fluorescent bulb cfl it contains a small amount of mercury and should be taken to a safe disposal event.

But it is a good idea to take a few assessments about your type of business and your location s local and state regulation before you begin to decide how to manage your old broken or unused fluorescent lights. Although it s not such a big deal from an environmental standpoint when you toss an incandescent bulb a broken cfl can be a dangerous thing because of the mercury that it releases once broken. The mercury inside fluorescent tube lights is hazardous so extra care should be taken to ensure that this material doesn t leak.