Where Can I Recycle Fluorescent Tube Lights

Under a temporary disposal exemption california households were allowed to discard their own fluorescent lamps and tubes as non hazardous solid waste ordinary.

Where can i recycle fluorescent tube lights. Luckily these tubes will last up to 15 000 hours so you won t need to worry about recycling them often. Recycle fluorescent lights cfls and hids at no charge throughout washington state. Many types of light bulbs contain metals such as mercury. King county does not accept fluorescent bulbs and tubes includes green tipped tubes and compact fluorescent bulbs in the garbage or for disposal at its transfer stations.

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. 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. 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.

Fluorescent bulbs or tubes fall into the hazardous waste category since they also contain mercury. Or you can call 1 800 cleanup part of earth 911 to find a recycling center near you. They should not be disposed of in your curbside trash. Fluorescent tubes can last up to 15 000 hours making them a common choice for.

Many recycling locations have temporarily closed and we expect more to follow. Fluorescent light tubes that contain mercury or lead or that have other hazardous properties. Please recycle them through the lightrecycle. Metal halide bulbs i e newer more efficient high intensity lights.

Tube and compact style fluorescent bulbs including compact fluorescent lamps cfls. 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. The mercury inside fluorescent tube lights is hazardous so extra care should be taken to ensure that this material doesn t leak. Recycling cfls and other fluorescent bulbs allows reuse of the glass metals and other materials that make up fluorescent lights.

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. That can lead to short term health risk for exposed individuals and lasting environmental damage to soil and water. How to recycle fluorescent tubes. Mercury vapor bulbs i e high intensity lamps with blue white originally used as farmyard lights.