Where Can I Dispose Of Fluorescent Tube Light Bulbs

Metal halide bulbs i e newer more efficient high intensity lights.

Where can i dispose of fluorescent tube light bulbs. Many people wonder can i throw away fluorescent bulbs once they burn out. Many types of light bulbs contain metals such as mercury. Fluorescent tubes can last up to 15 000 hours making them a common choice for business classrooms etc. Just remember you should not break fluorescent bulbs or throw them in a trash can as they contain harmful.

Your area may prohibit disposal and or require recycling. Fluorescent tube bulbs can generally be recycled at the same sites that take used cfl bulbs but some retailers may not accept larger ones. 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. Fluorescent tube lights vary in length and will not work without a ballast.

Filled with mercury vapor that produces light by converting uv rays with fluorescent coating into visible light fluorescent lights are available in two designs. 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. The mercury inside fluorescent tube lights is hazardous so extra care should be taken to ensure that this material doesn t leak. Hazardous waste fluorescent lamps and tubes can be managed under the simple requirements of the state s universal waste rule provided they are sent to an authorized recycling facility.

While compact fluorescent lightbulbs cfls have extensive recycling options through retail drop offs and mail in programs the same can t be said for fluorescent tubes. Other materials in the bulbs get reused. These bulbs are most commonly used for industrial lighting and in commercial buildings. Or you can call 1 800 cleanup part of earth 911 to find a recycling center near you.

Tube and compact style fluorescent bulbs including compact fluorescent lamps cfls. Tube lights and cfl. That can lead to short term health risk for exposed individuals and lasting environmental damage to soil and water. How to recycle fluorescent tubes.

Under a temporary disposal exemption california households were allowed to discard their own fluorescent lamps and tubes as non hazardous solid waste ordinary. Recycling cfls and other fluorescent bulbs allows reuse of the glass metals and other materials that make up fluorescent lights. Luckily these tubes will last up to 15 000 hours so you won t need to worry about recycling them often. Virtually all components of a fluorescent bulb can be recycled.

Here are the features and benefits of fluorescent lighting. Mercury vapor bulbs i e high intensity lamps with blue white originally used as farmyard lights.