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When you decide to discard fluorescent bulbs, you may be wondering how to dispose of them. While these light bulbs do contain mercury, they are more energy efficient and easier to recycle than incandescent bulbs. If you do not know how to recycle fluorescent bulbs, you can read this article to learn about some options. Here are a few things to keep in mind when disposing of fluorescent bulbs. The first thing to keep in mind is that these light bulbs cannot be placed in the trash along with bottles and cans.
Light bulbs contain mercury
When you are disposing of old fluorescent bulbs, you should consider the amount of mercury that is contained within each bulb. Mercury-containing bulbs release small amounts of mercury, up to 5 milligrams, into the air and water, and can be hazardous to human health when disposed of improperly. While these light bulbs are not harmful to humans, improper disposal of these bulbs can lead to mercury leakage, which can contaminate our water supplies and contaminate fish.
Because fluorescent light bulbs contain mercury, they cannot be placed in regular trash or put curbside for pickup. While some municipalities and big cities have curbside recycling services for hazardous waste, it is important to follow all local recycling programs’ guidelines to avoid exposing yourself and others to dangerous mercury vapor. When disposing of fluorescent bulbs, find a recycling facility that accepts the bulbs that contain mercury. You can also take broken light bulbs to your local Home Depot or another store that recycles fluorescent bulbs.
To recycle mercury-containing light bulbs, find a commercial or home recycling facility. Many retailers, mail-in recycling services, and local governments participate in mercury recycling programs. Additionally, the Department of Environmental Protection encourages residents to recycle old CFLs through household hazardous waste collection events. By recycling these light bulbs, you help keep dangerous mercury out of the environment. So, what are you waiting for? Get started today!
They are more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs
Incandescent bulbs are the traditional light bulb shapes. They last about one year or 750-1000 hours. However, they cannot be recycled. These bulbs are also the least energy-efficient. Ninety percent of the energy they generate is lost as heat, which means they should be disposed of properly. In fact, it is better to dispose of them in a different container, such as a glass bottle.
While incandescent bulbs are recyclable, fluorescent bulbs should not be placed in your regular trash. They contain mercury and should be properly disposed of. Contact your local recycling provider for information on how to properly dispose of fluorescent bulbs. You should be able to recycle them at a local recycling center if you’re able to find one in your area. Otherwise, you can take them to a garbage dump or dispose of them with your regular trash.
In addition to being more energy-efficient than incandescent lights, compact fluorescents contain mercury. Although this mercury is not harmful to human health, it is required for the function of these bulbs. Incandescent bulbs produce light by heating a filament to a temperature where it becomes visible. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, then you should replace your old bulbs with compact fluorescents.
If you’re not comfortable disposing of incandescent bulbs in a recycling bin, you can recycle your CFLs. You can also take advantage of the recycling programs offered by some local retailers. Some retailers have recycling programs, and there are also online resources for this as well. You can also throw them in your regular trash if you have a sealed plastic bag.
Another energy-efficient bulb is the halogen bulb. These bulbs are surrounded by a thick glass tube. Halogen bulbs contain halogen gas. This makes them hazardous to the environment. Most communities recommend to dispose of these bulbs in trash. However, if you want to recycle these bulbs, you should put them in a container with other recyclable materials. Once used, you can wrap them to protect them from breakage.
They are easier to recycle than incandescent bulbs
When it comes to recycling, fluorescent bulbs are more environmentally friendly than incandescent bulbs. Because fluorescent bulbs contain mercury, they can be recycled. The mercury can be reused in new bulbs and thermostats. The glass and aluminum can be recycled into scrap metal and concrete. Recycling fluorescent bulbs reduces waste that ends up in landfills. And, they also have a longer life span.
Halogen bulbs are another option. Halogen bulbs contain halogen gas, which is harmful to the environment. Many municipalities recommend throwing them in the trash, but you can also recycle them with mail-in recycling programs. Halogen bulbs should be wrapped before being discarded. Once you have wrapped them tightly, dispose of them in the trash. Some municipalities also have special programs for halogen bulbs, but check with your local recycling facility.
The EPA recommends recycling mercury-containing bulbs, as they contain mercury. Fluorescent bulbs can’t be thrown in the trash or placed curbside for collection, because they break and leak mercury into landfill groundwater. And, they are much easier to recycle than incandescent bulbs. The EPA has a list of locations that accept them for processing. Home Depot and other local businesses may have recycling programs for fluorescent bulbs.
LEDs are another environmentally-friendly choice. They require only a fraction of the energy of incandescent bulbs, and their lifespan can be anywhere from 35,000 to 50,000 hours. They can also be recycled safely. You can even take them to your local Home Depot or Lowe’s for recycling. These are more environmentally-friendly than incandescent bulbs, and you’ll save money in the long run.
The options for disposal of light bulbs can vary in each area. Check with your local waste management authority for information. They’ll have the most up-to-date recycling information. Some large home improvement stores also have recycling programs for fluorescent tubes and CFLs. The Home Depot may also have recycling programs for batteries and other spent electronics. If you don’t want to wait, you can order your CFLs online and pick them up at their drop-off locations.
They can be recycled
If you’ve been wondering how to recycle fluorescent bulbs, you’re not alone. Recycling fluorescent bulbs is a legal requirement all across the world. If you’ve ever been unsure about how to dispose of them, read this article for tips on where to take your broken bulbs. Listed below are a few recycling options. If you don’t have the resources to collect fluorescent bulbs yourself, you can contact local organizations that will help you dispose of them.
If you live in a city or county with municipal recycling programs, there are some places that accept fluorescent bulbs for free. You can find these locations by calling your local city hall, which can provide pickup times. Other places to recycle fluorescent bulbs include your local hardware store. Make sure you check their policies as not all stores accept them. Some stores will only accept certain sizes of fluorescent bulbs. To be sure, check with your municipality first. Some hardware stores also accept hazardous materials, such as fluorescent bulbs.
Because fluorescent tubes contain mercury, it is illegal to throw them in regular trash or put them out on the curbside for collection. This type of hazardous waste is not accepted by curbside collection. Recycling centers often have special protocols for this type of waste. For additional information, contact your local environmental protection agency. Home Depot and other large retail stores may also accept fluorescent bulbs for processing. If you are unsure about recycling fluorescent tubes, check with your local government or call Earth911 for instructions.
When you’re ready to throw out your old fluorescent bulbs, be sure to recycle them. Mercury is toxic and can be dangerous, especially if ingested. Mercury is not good for plants, soil, and wildlife. If you don’t recycle your old fluorescent bulbs, you risk contaminating the groundwater, which is dangerous for people, sanitation workers, and the environment. Instead, you can follow the recycling instructions provided by your city or town.
