How to Recycle Light Bulbs

Beginning in 2012, incandescent light bulbs will be phased out of households and businesses in the United States in favor of fluorescent lighting. Fluorescent bulbs are economical because they last ten times longer than incandescent bulbs. By using fluorescent lighting, households benefit from lower utility bills because most of what incandescent lights burn is heat.

Although the use of energy efficient bulbs makes ecological sense, recycling fluorescent light bulbs after they expire prevents them from being placed in a landfill or incinerated. Fluorescent bulbs, like compact fluorescent lights, contain mercury. These light bulbs are more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs, but not recycling these bulbs can cause mercury to enter the environment each time one is broken.

Consumers throw 670 million fluorescent bulbs away yearly in America. Fluorescent light bulbs that are thrown away as trash result in incineration or placement in a landfill. These types of disposal methods lead to breakage and leakage in the trash container, dumpster, trash compactor and into the environment.

It’s important to recycle fluorescent bulbs before they break to prevent mercury being released into the environment. Every year, discarded bulbs release 2 to 4 tons of mercury into land and water sources. In the environment, mercury converts to an organic form that collects in living species. This accumulation of mercury contaminates the food chain.

Manufacturers and major U.S. retailers are expanding recycling programs. Great strides have been made to reduce the amounts of mercury used in lighting during the prior two decades. Despite past innovations, mercury in light bulbs is still present. Light bulbs still contain minute amounts of mercury, so they have environmental impact during the disposal process.

Consumers can take steps to reduce the amounts of mercury going into the environment.

Household Recycling Methods

How to Recycle Light BulbsUse caution when removing bulbs to avoid the light bulbs from breaking. Florescent light bulbs can be removed in a safe manner by performing one of these methods:

  • Push the bulb in one direction against a spring located within the sock to remove it.
  • Twist and remove by hand.

Because fluorescent light bulb recyclers require that the bulbs are intact, the expired bulbs should then be stored safely to prevent breakage. The original packaging can act as an economical container. Carefully place the unbroken bulbs in a leak proof storage container and mark them, and transfer them to a local collection facility.

Contacting state environmental regulatory agencies is an effective way to research recycling services that accept recyclable bulbs. Researching hazardous waste collections and recycling programs by area is another way to find local resources that also accept light bulbs for recycling. Once a facility is located, arrangements can be made to for pick-up.

Sometimes state and area agencies don’t offer alternatives for disposal of light bulbs other than the weekly residential garbage pick-up service. In this case, place the light bulb in two plastic bags and seal tightly before placing it in the trash. Avoid waste removal services that use incineration. Products containing mercury should never be incinerated.

Business Recycling Methods

Regulations for disposing of light bulbs vary by state. Some states have rules that are more stringent than federal regulations. These include Massachusetts, Vermont and California.

The following federal regulations for handling expired light bulbs apply to all states in the USA:

  • Just as in household recycling, used lamps can be kept in labeled packaging to decrease the chance of the bulbs breaking. Bulbs can be stored in drums, cardboard containers, or original packaging. Containers should remain sealed unless used lamps are added or removed. The container used should be leak-proof.
  • Businesses should instruct employees how to handle fluorescent light bulbs and the procedures involved when one breaks. These procedures can be found by researching federal or state regulations.
  • Businesses can collect and store light bulbs for up to a year before recycling. Containers should be labeled with the first date that the lamps were placed inside.
  • Businesses are responsible for containing environmental releases during transfer in accordance with regulations. Shipments should be sent to a universal waste or a recycling facility.
  • Recycling facilities are helpful to businesses because they simplify the process. According to the EPA, Disposal is also regulated by federal waste regulations. Federal regulations make the process easier for businesses to transfer the bulbs to be recycled to the appropriate facilities.

How Light Bulbs are Recycled

After the bulbs reach the recycling center, a process of separation begins. The glass tubing, metal end caps, mercury and phosphor powder are separated and prepared for new purposes. The glass portion is recycled into other glass items, while the metal pieces are sold for scrap metal. The recovered mercury is used to create new energy efficient light bulbs and other items the require mercury; such as thermometers. The mercury can be used repeatedly in other types of lighting such as streetlights, floodlights and parking lots.

Initiatives for using energy efficient lighting are popular because it is a cost effective way for the United States to reduce electricity usage and greenhouse gases. With Americans moving towards the exclusive use of compact fluorescent bulbs, it is necessary for citizens to learn how to recycle the bulbs once they are spent. While Americans appreciate their energy efficiency and their longevity, they also are provided the opportunity to recycle their light bulbs to keep mercury levels at a minimum.

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