Did you know that old so called "energy saving" light bulbs are regarded as toxic waste?

Question

In fact, you are advised NOT to throw old energy saving bulbs in with the rubbish. Local councils do not provide a disposal solution for these bulbs, so how do you get rid of them?

Answer 1

Found out about this in a news report. I'm sticking with traditional technology as long as possible!

Answer 2

Yep , I love 'em .

When they blow out,I take 'em to a big 'ol hole on MY property

and blast 'em with a .22 .

If they're the 68"industrial jobs.....out comes the .357.

Tell your 'Masters' in the Achtung! Squad to stick 'em

where the sun don't shine.

Answer 3

Never knew that, now mine will go into the correct coloured bag, if there is one, if not and the Council complain I'll ask for the right coloured bag for that type of waste, they cant complain then for someone trying to do the right thing. If they break I will get my wife to evacuate the house until the council come round to clean up. At least i should get my moneys worth from them, SERVICE WITH A SMILE

Answer 4

they only contain a small amount of Mercury (about 5 g) and it is mostly absorbed by the phosphor by the time you throw them out. using them actually prevents more Mercury from entering the atmosphere because you save power which means that there will be less burning of coal (which releases mercury). you only need to worry about if you are pregennt or if you have children around but there is more danger in eating fish then smashing a few lights.

if you take your bulbs to the place you bought them from they will  normally dispose of them for you.

Answer 5

Yes, saw it in a news segment. Apparently if one of them accidently breaks it is dangerous and toxic  (  to a small degree ) so advised to open windows etc.

Answer 6

You are not advised to throw ANY lightbulbs in the rubbish.

Answer 7

Yes.  They're made with mercury in them which is why they can glow so brightly with such little power.

It's the same with the old mercury thermometers I used at school.  If one smashes, clear the area because inhaling mercury is very dangerous indeed!

Answer 8

Here is a good link to locate ways to recycle various items.

Answer 9

They contain Mercury.

Answer 10

My county has a hazardous material drop off site.  I have a box in my garage where I place all the items that need to go there.  When the box gets full I take it to them.  I dispose of batteries there too.

Answer 11

Nob Goblin

No, but thanks for the information.  

I call maintenance for our apartment when in need of repair or replacement in regards to electrical things.  They take care of disposal.

I believe that the florescent light bulbs emit a poisonous gas if broken but once the gas is emitted, then the only danger would be getting cut on the broken pieces when cleaning up.  Maybe that would be toxic too.

Answer 12

Yes, but not a lot of people know that.

Answer 13

Yes I heard that, they are encouraging you to use them but when they go you cannot dispose of them and have to get the council to collect them. I suppose council tax will go up again