How do i best dispose of a energy efficient light bulb?

Question

I have just taken out an OLD energy efficient light bulb, and considering that i can't put it in the normal rubbish, the recycling bin, or the bottle bank, i'm not sure how to dispose of it! Please help!!

Answer 1

If they are the Compact Fluorescent Light then you should call your local municipal waste service to see how they handle them. In my area (NJ) there are special days throughout the year for hazardous waste collections - check to see if your town has the same.

Answer 2

i take mine to the local tip where they have a special recycling bin for them

Answer 3

Any product that has a WEEE symbol on it (crossed out wheelie-bin) officially has to be recycled by any store that sells that product. So if you take your old lightbulb back to the store where you're buying its replacement, they have to accept it. Free of charge.

Be warned, though - some retailers may not know what to do with bulbs; others, like Ryness, have a light bulb recycling scheme and will ensure they're dealt with correctly.

Answer 4

The local authority will inform you

Answer 5

Kev is correct - ring your Local Authority and ask them - they will have facilities.

Answer 6

Hmm...I once put it in the 'commingled' bin....was that wrong?

(I think they have mercury inside, so definetely not the regular trash)

Answer 7

Unfortunately, we do not have facilities in our rural area for recycling these. If that's your situation as well, the U.S. EPA recommends placing it in a plastic bag or two before putting it in the normal trash (lame, I know, but if your city doesn't collect them...)

Some places that sell them will take them back for recycling (like IKEA).

There are national programs (in the US anyways) that will ship you a box and you can fill it with energy efficient bulbs and send it back for recycling. These however cost a pretty penny and are aimed more at commercial collection than household recycling. One example is Waste Management's lamptraker.

Hopefully there's a disposal facility in your area (sometimes municipalities collect them with household hazardous waste (HHW)). City or county departments such as Public Works, Environmental Management, or Sanitation are the best places to start looking. Also www.earth911.org has a pretty good database of recycling facilities nationwide, although I found the list is not complete in some areas (like where I live). Good luck!

Answer 8

Your local authority are likely to have an electrical recycling point.  Otherwise, take it back to the shop where you bought the new one.  They probably won't know what to do with it, but if they sell them, they are required by law to dispose of them (they probably chuck them in the bin).