Advice for Householders on Disposal of Energy Saving Light bulbs and Fluorescent tubes

Why do I need to be careful how I dispose of my Energy Saving Light bulbs and Fluorescent tubes?

Energy Saving Light bulbs function in much the same way as a fluorescent tube. They contain electronic components and a tiny amount of mercury (each just enough to cover the tip of a ballpoint pen). This mercury allows them to deliver their substantial energy saving benefits. It is therefore much better not to put these lamps in the normal household waste. A more environmentally friendly and responsible way of  disposal is to ensure that the lamps are recycled at the end of their life. You should therefore separate them from your normal household waste.  They can be disposed of at your local authority Household Waste Recycling Centre in the separate containers that they have available for these lamps. These containers are then returned to specialist companies for recycling.

New Energy Saving Light bulbs and Fluorescent tubes sold today now carry the following informative mark as a reminder that they should be separately recycled:

How should I deal with a broken CFL?

Although the accidental breakage of a lamp is most unlikely to cause any health problems, it’s good practice to minimise any unnecessary exposure to mercury, as well as risk of cuts from glass fragments. Revised advice issued by the Health Protection Agency is to:

•    Wipe the area with a damp cloth, place that in the plastic bag and seal it.

•    Sticky tape (e.g. duct tape or similar) can be used to pick up small residual pieces or powder from soft furnishings and then placed in a sealed plastic bag. The plastic bag doesn't need to be air tight, but should be reasonably sturdy.

•    Place it in another, similar bag and seal that one as well (this minimises cuts from broken glass).

The public should contact the local authority for advice on where to dispose of broken or intact CFLs as they should be treated as hazardous waste and should not be disposed of in the bin. All local councils have an obligation to make arrangements for the disposal of household hazardous waste at a civic amenity site or household waste recycling centre. The National Household Hazardous Waste Forum runs a website with details of these centres for chemicals, but which also applies to other hazardous wastes (www.chem-away.org.uk/). Alternatively contact your local council direct.