How Different Light Bulbs Should Be Recycled or Disposed of Safely

Wondering how to recycle or dispose of light bulbs? In this blog post, we will go through the different types of light bulbs and how to dispose of them.

Incandescent Lamps

Standard light bulbs should be disposed of in normal household waste. They cannot be recycled as with regular glass, as the fine wires in glass processing are very difficult to separate out and the cost to recycle these items is prohibitive.

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL)

Compact fluorescent lamps are energy saving light bulbs and do not belong in the rubbish bin. However there is no legislation that stops the public disposing them in their wheelie bin. They contain small amounts of mercury. Although this is completely safe for users of the lamps, they must be collected separately for disposal. This ensures that valuable parts of the lamps, such as glass and metal, are not lost. Every compact fluorescent carries an end of life recycling fee and you can find your local recycling point by clicking on our WEEE compliance scheme website - http://www.recolight.co.uk/FREE-Recycling/. The Lamp Company (Easy Light Bulbs) are not listed as a general waste site but we are able to take back clients end of life lamps at no charge.

Halogen Lamps

Halogen Light bulbs should be disposed of in normal household waste. They cannot be recycled as with regular glass, as the fine wires in glass processing are very difficult to separate out.

LED Lamps

LEDs do not contain harmful substances but like CFLs do have an up front recycling charge applied to them if they are a retrofit lamp. These have an extremely long service life and they are virtually maintenance free. You should look for the disposal rules that apply to the equipment in which they are incorporated. Individual LEDs can be disposed of in household waste. The LAMP company are not listed as a general waste site but we are able to take back clients end of life lamps at no charge.

Fluorescent Tube

Fluorescent lamps are energy saving and do not belong in the rubbish bin. Every fluorescent tube carries an end of life recycling fee and you can find your local recycling point by clicking on our WEEE compliance scheme website - http://www.recolight.co.uk/FREE-Recycling/. They contain small amounts of mercury. Although this is completely safe for users of the lamps, they must be collected separately for disposal. Furthermore, it ensures that valuable parts of the lamps, such as glass and metal, are not lost. The LAMP company are not listed as a general waste site but we are able to take back clients end of life lamps at no charge.

Call +44 800 131 3003 or email sales@easy-lightbulbs.co.uk for any questions you may have.