How to Dispose of Old Fluorescent Lamps?

Do you want to learn how to dispose of fluorescent lamps that have died? Fluorescent lamps used to be extremely popular. However, due to their inefficiency and the fact that they contain mercury, they are being phased out or even banned in many places. It is important to dispose of these lights in an environmentally friendly way, as their mercury is destructive to the environment. In order to prevent leakage, you should pack fluorescent light bulbs properly using gloves. The easiest solution is to reach out to a professional disposal service provider who’ll handle everything safely. There are a few important things to know to dispose of fluorescent lights carefully.

What are Fluorescent Lamps?

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs), also known as compact fluorescent lights, are energy-saving light bulbs. They were designed to replace incandescent light bulbs by using less energy for the same level of light intensity. However, Compact fluorescent lights consist of a glass tube filled with a low-pressure mixture of gases, such as noble gases, liquid mercury, and mercury vapor. Because of their use of mercury, CFLs are being phased out and banned in many places and must be disposed of carefully.

Are Fluorescent Lamps and Tubes Hazardous Waste?

Yes, fluorescent lamps and tubes contain toxic mercury and are considered hazardous waste. You should handle these lamps with care, as they can cause serious illness and affect the brain, kidneys, central nervous system, and liver. Mercury impacts the environment and kills plants and organisms that live on both land and water.

Should You Recycle Your Fluorescent Lights?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency suggests the general public use local recycling options for CFLs. Here, we’ve listed some of the benefits of recycling your fluorescent lights:

1. Environmentally Friendly

Only the mercury in fluorescent lights and bulbs is harmful to the environment. However, with recycling, other materials, like metal and glass, that are present in the bulb can be reused.

2. Environmentally Safe

Your fluorescent lights often break when thrown in a dumpster or with residential waste. By recycling, mercury is not released into the atmosphere.

Some areas prohibit the disposal of fluorescent light bulbs because of the mercury. Therefore, to comply with state rules and regulations, you must recycle CFLs and other mercury-containing bulbs. If you are not sure about the regulations in your area, we suggest you contact a reliable and trustworthy disposal service provider whose professional team will handle everything according to the regulations.

Why Do Fluorescent Light Bulbs Need Careful Disposal?

Fluorescent light bulbs need careful disposal for the following reasons:

1. Sending CFLs to landfills can harm the environment.

2. Proper disposal protects both you and the environment from mercury

3. Many areas have regulations about how to get rid of old fluorescent light bulbs, so it is important to follow them specifically.

Easiest Way to Dispose of Fluorescent Tube Lights And Bulbs

You can dispose of fluorescent lights and bulbs in the easiest way possible with these steps:

Step 1: Remove the Tube

When the fluorescent tube stops working properly, you need to remove it. After you’ve let the light cool and turned it off, loosen it and remove it.

Step 2: Contact a Disposal Service Provider

Call and schedule a pickup date with a reliable service provider who’ll pick up your fluorescent lamps and recycle or dispose of them properly.

Step 3: Store the Fluorescent Tube Lights in a Container

You can buy safe disposal containers from your service provider or any other place. Place the lights in them carefully and store the fluorescent tube lights until your service provider comes and collects them.

Always keep fluorescent light bulbs away from pets and children, as both the materials and the mercury can be very harmful if the bulbs are broken.

What Health Risks Does the Mercury In Fluorescent Light Bulbs Present?

Here are some of the potential health risks that exposure to mercury can cause:

• Skin irritation
• Stomach issues
• Eye problems
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Breathing difficulties
• Headaches
• Weakness
• Exhaustion
• Indecision
• Weight loss

The mercury present in fluorescent lamps is harmful to your health. During the disposal process, it’s important to make sure that you don’t come into contact with it in any way.

How to Dispose of Fluorescent Light Bulbs?

You must dispose of fluorescent light bulbs properly to remove toxic pollutants like mercury from the environment. If you accidentally break disposal regulations, you can face legal consequences or fines.

If you are unsure how to dispose of fluorescent light bulbs, we suggest you schedule appointments with Specific Waste Industries. Our team takes care of the disposal process with no hidden fees and provides cost-effective service and safe waste disposal. Contact our team to sign up for medical waste and hazardous waste pickup, which can include fluorescent light bulbs, old gasoline, and expired hand sanitizer. You can schedule weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, and annual pickups.

What If the Fluorescent Bulbs Break?

If your fluorescent bulbs break, mercury vapor will be released from them, causing health risks to anyone who is exposed to it. It’s important to dispose of and recycle the bulb; otherwise, mercury will be released into the environment.

Where Can You Get Help to Dispose of Old Fluorescent Lamps Safely?

Specific Waste Industries manages old fluorescent tube pickup and transport safely and securely. We supply cost-effective and simple pickup services to dispose of fluorescent lamps. With over 30 years of experience, our service is almost unparalleled.

The pricing of the service depends on your waste disposal needs and location. We follow all the regulations and provide 100% customer satisfaction. Our team protects your confidentiality and legal liability throughout the process. We provide our customers with:

• Safe and proper transportation
• Environmentally sound disposal
• Regularly scheduled service
• Competitive price with no hidden charges
• Full customer service support

Contact us today to schedule your appointment!

Conclusion

Due to the hazardous nature of fluorescent lamps, it’s important to dispose of them safely for safety and security. To dispose of your hazardous fluorescent lamps, it’s best to contact a reliable service provider to have the hazardous waste picked up and dealt with safely.