Recycling Fluorescent Lamps and Tubes: What You Need to Know

August 25, 2022

How does a Fluorescent lamp work?

Fluorescent lamps are “gaseous discharge” light sources. Light is produced by passing an electric arc between tungsten cathodes in a tube filled with a low pressure mercury vapor and other gases. The arc excites the mercury vapor which generates radiant energy, primarily in the ultraviolet range.

Fluorescent light bulbs use mercury to create the white light that we see. While mercury is a very effective light bulb material, it is also incredibly toxic and can cause mercury poisoning if the bulb breaks. In order to learn more about this issue and what you can do to reduce your risk of mercury exposure, read on!

What is mercury and why is it used in fluorescent lights?

Fluorescent lamps are one of the most commonly used business and residential lighting items. It's efficient, easy to use, and loved for its bright white light. However, there are some downsides to fluorescent lights. One of these is that mercury is used in fluorescent bulbs. Mercury is a highly effective mercury-containing material that enables white light. Unfortunately, when mercury is released into the environment it can harm wildlife and humans. When you recycle fluorescent bulbs, you're helping to reduce the amount of mercury released into the environment. So, next time you're replacing your fluorescent bulbs, make sure to recycle them responsibly!

What are the benefits of recycling fluorescent lights?

Renowned for being environmentally friendly, recycling fluorescent lights is a great way to reduce energy consumption and help save the planet. In fact, fluorescent lamps are made up of mostly plastic, metal and glass which can be recycled into new products. Not only that, but the recycling process leaves little to no toxic emissions into the atmosphere and doesn't release any CO2 into the air. So in a nutshell, recycling fluorescent lights is a great way to help save the environment and reduce your carbon footprint!

This is why proper disposal of fluorescent bulbs is important. It’s also why the EPA recently increased the minimum fines to $2,800 - $70,000 per occurrence of improper disposal.

Here are some useful links to help keep you and your business customers and tenants safe:

Conclusion

Mercury is a heavy metal that is used in fluorescent light bulbs because it emits a bluish light that is more visible to the human eye. This hazardous waste is often recycled and used in new fluorescent light bulbs, despite the fact that it poses a health risk. By learning about recycling fluorescent lights and avoiding mercury-containing products, you can help protect your health, your customers, and the environment. Lighting Supply Guy offers both bulk recycling and convenient pre-paid box recycling kits to keep your worksite safe, uncluttered, and compliant all while protecting the environment.

If you need help figuring out how to safely dispose of fluorescent lamps, we’re here for you! We offer easy mail-in recycling kits and bulk disposal.