Where Can You Dispose Of Fluorescent Lights

Other materials in the bulbs get reused.

Where can you dispose of 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. Or you can call 1 800 cleanup part of earth 911 to find a recycling center near you. Recycling cfls and other fluorescent bulbs allows reuse of the glass metals and other materials that make up fluorescent lights. Cfl bulbs contain about 5 milligrams of mercury which can be toxic to the environment.

It s a small trade off for the benefit of more efficient bulbs which last longer and require less coal or oil fired electricity. Your area may prohibit disposal and or require recycling. Virtually all components of a fluorescent bulb can be recycled. Just remember you should not break fluorescent bulbs or throw them in a trash can as they contain harmful.

That can lead to short term health risk for exposed individuals and lasting environmental damage to soil and water. Why do cfl bulbs need special disposal. The mercury inside fluorescent tube lights is hazardous so extra care should be taken to ensure that this material doesn t leak. Luckily these tubes will last up to 15 000 hours so you won t need to worry about recycling them often.

How to recycle fluorescent tubes.