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.
Where to recycle fluorescent light bulbs near me.
Compact fluorescent light cfl bulbs contain a very small amount of mercury so do not put used cfls in the garbage.
Be sure to reference the accepted products list to ensure your lights can be recycled through lightrecycle washington.
There are many lighting options available today.
Federal law brought production of traditional incandescent light bulbs to an end in 2014.
However recycling rates for cfls and other light bulbs are low.
Recycle fluorescent lights cfls and hids at no charge throughout washington state.
No matter the type of light bulb from fluorescent to incandescent to cfl to halogen it is always recommended to recycle used bulbs safely and properly.
Many recycling locations have temporarily closed and we expect more to follow.
Given the current situation we encourage you to reserve your recycling for when the covid 19 pandemic has passed.
According to a november 2004 report by the association of lighting and mercury recyclers an estimated 70 8 percent of the mercury containing lamps used by business and 98 percent of the lamps used in homes are not being recycled.
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.
Recycling cfls and other fluorescent bulbs allows reuse of the glass metals and other materials that make up fluorescent lights.
These are the light bulbs that preceded the energy efficient ones common now.
These light bulbs do not contain mercury and should be discarded in your regular trash receptacle.
Or you can call 1 800 cleanup part of earth 911 to find a recycling center near you.
Fees may apply and will vary based on bulb type and store location.
Follow the steps below to find a lightrecycle washington collection site near you.
This is why batteries plus bulbs accepts all types of light bulbs for recycling.
Virtually all components of a fluorescent bulb can be recycled.
Find fluorescent light bulbs recycling options for businesses on p 2 of hazardous waste disposal companies pdf.
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.
While the amount of mercury in a single bulb is extremely small it will harm the environment if large numbers of bulbs are disposed of in landfills.