Most individuals are clueless when it comes to proper lightbulb disposal, and there's absolutely no doubt about that! There are so many various types of light bulbs, each with its own standards, so it's no surprise that keeping track of what goes where is challenging.

All light bulbs, including those containing traces of mercury, are recyclable. Some light bulbs, in fact, must be recycled since when thrown away, they seep potentially harmful substances into the land and groundwater. People should take advantage of available local alternatives for recycling CFLs, fluorescent bulbs, and other mercury-containing bulbs, as well as any other hazardous household wastes, rather than discarding them with ordinary garbage, according to the EPA.

Here you can find local recycling depots or information on particular rules in your state.

How to Dispose of Incandescent Light Bulbs?

Incandescent light bulbs can be thrown away in the garbage, so above other bulbs - they are the easiest to dispose of. It is problematic to recycle them because of the amount of metal and glass they contain.

If the bulb is damaged, wrap it in a newspaper to prevent glass fragments from cutting through the waste bag, it will be safer for you and the garbage collector.

Upcycling or repurposing incandescent bulbs is a viable option. Look for safe ways to prepare incandescent bulbs from crafts on the internet. Then have some fun repurposing existing bulbs to create new décor.

Related: How to Wire Up a Light Switch All by Yourself?

How to Dispose of Fluorescent Light Bulbs?

Fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) utilize less energy than incandescent light bulbs, making them especially favored. Mercury is one of the components that allow them to be energy efficient yet potentially dangerous. CFL should not be disposed of in typical garbage since pollutants leak into landfill groundwater and end up in our drinking water. The good news is that almost all components of a CFL bulb may be recycled and reused.

If a CFL bulb breaks inside your house, clean it up as soon as possible using the following guidelines:

  • Get pets and children out of the room.
  • Open the windows, turn off the HVAC system, and close the doors.
  • Wait at least 10 minutes for the room to air.
  • Follow EPA cleaning guidelines.

How to Dispose of Halogen Light Bulbs?

Because halogen bulbs include halogen gas, they are difficult to recycle. Assure that the old bulb is returned to its original package or wrapped to prevent it from breaking. To keep these bulbs out of the garbage, see whether your local recycling center has a specific halogen collecting policy.

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How to Dispose of LED Light Bulbs?

Energy-efficient bulbs give 35,000 to 50,000 hours of light and are a top pick for American households, and for a long time, people kept throwing them away at an alarming rate. It is necessary to recycle them! To conduct electrical current, LEDs employ microchips. Heavy metals like lead and arsenic are present in them. To avoid LED bulbs ending up in landfills - try to find a LED bulb recycling community.

How to Dispose of Fluorescent Tube Lighting?

These long tubes are energy efficient and last 24,000 to 36,000 hours, making them popular for workshops and other spaces that require bright, low-cost lighting. Although the lights are safe, they must be collected and disposed of separately. It also guarantees that costly light components such as glass and metal are not lost. 

Fluorescent tube lights, like CFLs, contain mercury. Also, its tube's glass is extremely brittle. Because they are classified as hazardous waste, they cannot be thrown out in ordinary garbage or placed curbside for pickup. For these tubes, some municipal recycling programs offer particular recycling processes.

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Conclusion

We understand how difficult it may be to implement a systematic recycling program while dealing with tenant turnover, varying degrees of recycling knowledge, and a wide range of waste items. With TenantCloud, you can optimize your business and organizational processes while concentrating on scaling up your company. Learn how to manage trash operations and implement a recycling program that encourages your renters to recycle. And remember:

“If it can’t be reduced, reused, repaired, rebuilt, refurbished, refinished, resold, recycled, or composted, then it should be restricted, designed or removed from production.”

– Pete Seeger, Folk Singer & Social Activist