Where to throw away light bulbs? What to do with a used bulb
Waste segregation is associated with compliance with the law. But it is also a matter of environmental responsibility. Where to throw away traditional light bulbs and where to throw away used fluorescent and LED bulbs?
Can I just throw them into mixed waste? We’ll tell you about it in a moment.
Used light bulbs and waste segregation
There was a time when there were no dilemmas regarding waste segregation – we threw a burned-out light bulb into the garbage bin. The only dangerous material seemed to be shards of glass and the sharp filament wire. Today, waste segregation is obvious, and filament light bulbs are just one of many options. We are right to wonder how to dispose of fluorescent lamps, halogen bulbs and used LED bulbs. And what to do in the case of an LED lamp equipped with integrated light sources?
Mixed waste is not the right solution. We have several light sources that are constructed differently than traditional filament bulbs. Halogen bulbs are most closely related to them. But fluorescent lamps, also known as fluorescent lamps, contain harmful substances. LED bulbs, however, are classified as electronic waste. What does this mean in practice and where to dispose of used light bulbs?
Where to throw away regular filament light bulbs?
Ordinary light bulbs are rare these days. They have been replaced in our homes primarily by LED light sources. Large traditional light bulbs were phased out because they used much more energy. But they are still found in some household appliances, such as a hood or an oven. Ordinary light bulbs are also used, for example, in salt lamps, to simultaneously illuminate and heat the salt.
We throw away traditional light bulbs with regular mixed waste. By combining glass and metal elements, we should not place them in glass waste or in metal or plastic containers. If you care about the environment and recycling light bulbs is important to you, we encourage you to return old light bulbs to a collection point for used electrical equipment.
Where to throw away halogen bulbs?
Halogen bulbs are energy-saving bulbs, although their structure is similar to traditional ones. We use them primarily in technical lighting. You can also find halogen and xenon bulbs in car lights, for example. They should also go to regular containers or an e-waste collection point. Both energy-saving and filament light bulbs should be protected against breakage before placing them in the trash.
Disposal of fluorescent lamps
Used fluorescent lamps are hazardous waste. How is this possible? It’s a matter of building a fluorescent lamp. A filament or halogen bulb is filled with gases that do not pose a threat to our health in small concentrations. Fluorescent lamps, on the other hand, are filled with highly toxic mercury in a gaseous state.
So where should you throw away the fluorescent lamp? You must absolutely never throw away a fluorescent bulb into the mixed waste container! We always take them to an e-waste collection point. Due to the presence of harmful substances, throwing a fluorescent lamp into a regular trash can may result in criminal liability.
If you are replacing burnt out fluorescent lamps, remember that if they break, turn off the air conditioning, open the windows and leave the room. After returning, protect all elements and fragments using gloves and wash the floor thoroughly. Waste should always be taken to a special electronic waste collection point. How to find it? More on that in a moment.
Where to throw away LED bulbs?
LED bulbs have entered our homes by storm. They are energy-saving and offer many possibilities in terms of appearance and light color. LED lighting owes these properties to its structure. The LEDs are small, and most of the surrounding equipment is occupied by the power supply system (rectifier, capacitor, converter). So where should you throw away your LED bulbs? With an exhausted LED bulb, you should go to a collection point for used electrical equipment. Disposing of this type of bulbs is much easier than fluorescent lamps because they do not contain harmful substances. Therefore, if LED bulbs break, you do not have to air or wash the surface. Getting rid of LED bulbs, even damaged ones, will not be a problem for you. Proceed as you would with any used electrical equipment. Secure all items carefully to prevent injury, and then take them to an e-waste collection point. You already know where to throw away used light bulbs, but what about replacing light sources from an LED lamp? We treat LED strips in the same way as LED bulbs. Remove it from under the cover and treat it as with used electrical equipment.
Where to dispose of LED bulbs, fluorescent lamps and other light bulbs?
Where can you throw away electronic waste? In cities, waste management plants run electronic waste collection points. This is the best place to get rid of used light bulbs, especially in large quantities. However, taking each bulb to the appropriate plant would be burdensome and completely unecological. Every large-scale store is obliged to run a collection point for used electronic equipment. Additionally, when purchasing a new bulb, each seller is obliged to collect the used bulb from you and hand it over for disposal. In many cities, you can also throw them away in public institutions, in a special container intended for hazardous waste (just like exhausted batteries).
Bulb disposal
Taking care of the natural environment by storing waste responsibly is extremely important. By using resources sustainably, we act in our own interest and, above all, in the interest of our children. Therefore, we encourage you to take the waste to a collection point or throw it into appropriate containers instead of mixed waste, regardless of whether you need to replace a fluorescent bulb, an LED bulb or its traditional filament version.
