If you've accumulated a few light bulbs from your office lamps or indoor lighting, a question might have crossed your mind. You might be thinking carefully about how to dispose of them once they've served their purpose — and since safe disposal in this context is quite important, this is a crucial question.
So, in this guide, that's the question we will answer. We will explore which methods are important for disposing of a range of bulbs, from LED bulbs and fluorescent tubes to incandescent light bulbs and halogen bulbs.
First, we'll look closely at why it's crucial to dispose of them safely. Then, we'll explore the specific methods you should use. So make sure you read on to discover how to dispose of light bulbs safely.
Why Safe Bulb Disposal is Important and How to Do It
First off, there's a key reason why safe bulb disposal is key — these products can contain mercury, lead, other heavy metals, and other elements, and these can become hazardous waste materials in the event the bulbs get broken. The result? Toxic materials and substances may be released into the environment.
For this reason, you're going to need to look for recycling programs that accept specific bulbs to recycle them. These may include waste collection agencies, local retailers participating in toxic bulb recycling services, or mail-back services.
6 Light Bulbs You May Need to Dispose of Safely
So, what are some examples of light bulb types that you may need to dispose of safely? Well, there are quite a few that require extra care. These include the bulbs that we've listed just below.
#1 LED Bulbs
LED light bulbs, such as those that come with the Alera LED Task Lamp , are long-lasting solutions — in fact, they have an average rated life of 20,000 hours in these types of devices or appliances. You can identify these bulbs by checking if they have a metal socket, but plastic top and bottom elements.
One good thing about these bulbs is that they're not technically office or household hazardous waste because they don't contain mercury. They're also highly durable and not likely to break when disposing of them. This means all you need to do is place them in the trash if you don't intend to recycle them.
But you can also check to find out if any of your local recycling centers accept LED bulbs, especially if the bulb contains a circuit board (which can contain lead).
#2 Incandescent Light Bulbs
Incandescent bulbs such as the GE Incandescent S11 Light Bulb are frequently used in microwaves, refrigerators, ovens, and other appliances. You will know if the bulb is incandescent by looking for the wire-like filament or checking whether the bulb becomes hot when it emits light.
When it's time to dispose of these bulbs, remember that the majority of curbside recycling programs won't accept an incandescent light bulb. But you can throw these ones in the trash. So you'll just need to wrap it in a paper bag to keep all the debris within the bag if it breaks. Then, you can throw the bulb into the trash with your other garbage.
#3 Halogen Light Bulbs
You'll know if you have a halogen light bulb, such as the GE Halogen Bi-Pin T3 Light Bulb, by checking whether it is reflector-shaped and burns bright. These are typically used with work lights, auto headlights, flood lights, or other devices such as these.
If you have a halogen bulb you need to throw away, keep in mind that you can't place them in a recycling bin. Instead, you should check the waste management program in your local area to see if the bulbs need to be recycled and can then recycle them at an approved facility. Place it into a paper grocery bag as a precaution and recycle it if required.
#4 Fluorescent Tubes
A fluorescent light tube is a glass light bulb tube that you may use or find in a shed or a carport, a workshop or a garage, and even in under-cabinet fixture features such as the Ledu Under-Cabinet Fluorescent Fixture (that includes the fluorescent tube bulb).
Now, since they have mercury inside them, they are classed as hazardous waste. For this reason, you can't place this type of light bulb in a trash service. And you can't include them in curbside recycling. Instead, you will need to recycle them at the right approved recycling facility.
#5 Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL bulbs), such as the bulbs that come with the Ledu Slim Line Lamp Set are commonly used because they use nearly 70% less energy than an incandescent light bulb. You can identify them by checking for a coiled or spiral shape, but some take other forms. It's also easy to identify them since even when they're switched on, they stay cool to the touch.
You should not dispose of a CFL bulb at a curbside recycling program. Instead, dispose of them at a local waste collection agency or a participating local retailer. You'll be able to do this by wrapping the bulb carefully in a bag and then taking the bulb to the facility
#6 HID Bulbs
Known as high-intensity discharge lights, this type of bulb is typically used in the headlamps of high-end vehicles or for plant-growing purposes. They're wide-ranging and contain mercury, so they must be recycled at a recycling facility that accepts them.
When you're disposing of HID bulbs, make sure you wrap them in a plastic bag to prevent pieces from scattering if the bulb breaks. Then, you just need to take it to an approved facility that accepts HID bulbs.
Use Light Bulbs with Your Office Lighting Solutions and Dispose of them With Our Tips
Artificial lighting solutions cannot function without bulbs, but you'll always need to dispose of them safely. If you need to illuminate your office space and then recycle the bulbs, look no further than the tips, bulbs, and products we stock at BuyDirect. We have a full range of lighting solutions and light bulbs in our stock, so take your pick and place your order.
Once you've used the light bulbs, be sure to take care when recycling them. Use bulbs from BuyDirect with your office lighting solutions and dispose of them with our top tips.
FAQs
Seeking additional facts about light bulbs and light bulb disposal? Look at these FAQs!
What Type of Light Bulb Gives Off the Most Light?
That would be the LED light bulb. They emit large amounts of light or the greatest amount of lumens. You'll also find that this type of light bulb doesn't consume as much energy as a traditional incandescent light bulb, so they're beneficial in multiple ways.
Can I Put Light Bulbs in a Glass Recycling Bin?
The short answer? This isn't acceptable or a safe way to recycle light bulbs. You can't just put them into a glass recycling bin because they contain other elements including mercury. Since they also contain wiring, they're not suitable for a glass recycling bin, but you can take them to a recycling center if you'd like to recycle them.
Can I Put Fluorescent Tubes into the Garbage?
No, this is not possible. Fluorescent tubes can be hazardous waste and harmful, and you cannot put them into the garbage. You will need to take them to an authorized collector or recycling center and avoid throwing them away with any other office trash.