How are fluorescent bulbs recycled?

Fluorescent tubes are shipped to a bulb recycler that uses special machines to extract the mercury and breaks down the aluminum caps and glass casing. Aluminum is recycled as scrap metal, and the glass is downcycled into materials like concrete or ceramic tile.

Are broken fluorescent lamps universal waste?

Broken lamps may be managed as a universal waste but are typically more expensive to recycle or dispose as compared to intact lamps. State regulations can be more stringent and may not allow management of broken lamps as universal waste.

Is it safe to smash fluorescent tubes?

Yes, but only if broken so it’s important that you handle flu tubes safely. Fluorescent tubes contain mercury, which can be dangerous if released so be careful not to break them. Therefore, fluorescent tubes should always be disposed of properly.

Can fluorescent ballasts be recycled?

According to EPA Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) regulations, the material must be incinerated. The entire lighting fixture does not need special handling and disposal as long as the ballast (electrical box) is not leaking. The non-leaking ballasts can be removed and recycled or disposed of properly.

Where can I recycle fluorescent light bulbs?

Where can I recycle CFLs? You can take your CFLs to an antifreeze, batteries, oil, paint (ABOP) facility, or a household hazardous waste event. They are also accepted at all Home Depot, IKEA, Batteries + Bulbs, and Lowe’s stores in the U.S., as well as many regional chains.

Do all fluorescent lamps contain mercury?

The amount of mercury in a fluorescent lamp varies from 3 to 46 mg, depending on lamp size and age. Newer lamps contain less mercury and the 3–4 mg versions are sold as low-mercury types. A typical 2006-era 4 ft (122 cm) T-12 fluorescent lamp (i.e. F34T12) contains about 5 milligrams of mercury.

Does Lowe’s recycle fluorescent tubes?

Keep in mind Lowe’s stores offer a recycling center (usually near the entrance) that accepts plastic bags, CFL bulbs, rechargeable batteries, and cellphones. Simply bring your items in, follow instructions at the recycling center, or garden center, and Lowe’s will take care of the rest.

What is the white powder in fluorescent tubes?

The white powder that you see inside a fluorescent light bulb is called phosphor, which is a substance that emits visible light whenever it absorbs ultra violet energy waves. The phosphor used in a fluorescent light bulb is what determines both the color temperature and the color rendering index.

How do you dispose of fluorescent ballasts?

You may be able to dispose of a few intact ballasts containing PCBs the same as ordinary trash or at a household hazardous waste collection event or drop-off location sponsored by your county, city, or waste disposal district or company.

Do scrap yards take ballasts?

The worst type of ballast that you can have is a PCB ballast. These are very harmful to the environment and many scrap yards will not want to buy or even take these in as as scrap because they are very difficult to recycle correctly.