Where to recycle fluorescent tubes near me
However, recycling rates for CFLs and other light bulbs are low. Metals such as mercury and lead in light bulbs are valuable and can be recovered for reuse.
While the amount of mercury in each bulb is small, mercury pollutes the air and water when it ends up in landfills or incinerators.įor more information on mercury and its environmental and human health effects, visit EPA's Mercury in Your Environment. This risk makes it important to dispose of CFLs and other light bulbs properly.ĭespite claims by manufacturers that "green" lamps can be safely landfilled, CFLs contain trace amounts of mercury and should be properly recycled. If bulbs are broken, burned or landfilled, metals and other toxic substances can be released into the environment. Mercury, lead and other heavy metals all have the potential to be hazardous wastes. Using CFLs also results in reductions of other air emissions from power plants, including carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. The EPA estimates that standard coal-fired power plants emit 5.5 milligrams (mg) of mercury to power an incandescent bulb over its lifetime, in comparison with 1.2 mg of mercury to power a CFL over the same period of time. Certified by the EPA's Energy Star Program, CFLs use up to 75 percent less energy than a standard incandescent bulb, can last up to 10 times longer and save $30 or more in electricity costs over the life of the bulb. Lamp and Bulb Management (WA-195) Ĭompact fluorescent lamps are used extensively in homes and businesses, and, besides being recyclable, have many environmental benefits.high and low-pressure sodium vapor bulbs – i.e., yellow lights used for outdoor security lighting.īecause these bulbs contain metals and toxic chemicals, they should be properly disposed of to avoid contaminating the environment or harming human health.metal halide bulbs – i.e., newer, more efficient high-intensity lights and.mercury vapor bulbs – i.e., high-intensity lamps with blue-white, originally used as farmyard lights.tube- and compact-style fluorescent bulbs, including compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).Check your local store.Many types of light bulbs contain metals such as mercury. Some retailers, such as Batteries + Bulbs, Home Depot, and Lowe’s, may offer their residential customers fluorescent bulb recycling. For more information, call Pasco County Public Infrastructure, Environmental Compliance at 81, ext. In 2017, Pasco County recycled 11,482 pounds of mercury containing lamps. Bring mercury containing lamps to a recycling center to be disposed of safely. These lamps will be designated with the Hg symbol for mercury. Never put fluorescent tubes or CFLs in your household trash or curbside recycling. Mercury is hazardous, and removing it from the solid waste stream is critical. These types of lamps contain no hazardous materials, and any metals are recovered from the incineration process. LED, incandescent and halogen bulbs can be placed directly into your household trash. Pasco County incinerates household trash.