Everything you need to know about recycling fluorescent lights
Recycling Fluorescent Lights includes:
Fluorescent lamps
CFLs
Fluorescent tubes
Overhead lights
Compact fluorescent lights
Which bin does it go in?
Learn more about recycling fluoro lights
How to recycle fluorescent lights
Fluorescent lights should never be put in recycling or garbage bins because they are hazardous waste items. Fluorescent lights are commonly found in the home in the forms of CFL bulbs (often shaped in spirals instead of globes) and tubes that can either be straight or circular.
Recycling options
- Many councils provide residents with permanent recycling drop-off locations or periodic recycling events for household items including fluorescent tubes and CFL bulbs. Check with your council directly.
- Some commercial recycling companies provide fluorescent light recycling services. Use the directory on this page to find a recycler near you. Always call the recycler in advance to check if they will accept small quantities.
Why recycle?
Fluorescent lights contain mercury which makes them hazardous waste once they have reached their end of life. Currently, many fluorescent lights end up in landfill and are the most significant source of mercury contamination of all the waste we produce.
Recycling fluorescent lights, not only prevents environmental contamination from mercury, but it enables the mercury to be recovered and used again such as by the dental industry as amalgam for fillings. The glass, phosphor and aluminium contained in the fluorescent lights can also be effectively recovered for reuse.
What happens to them?
Fluorescent lights are recycled using crush and separation technology.
- Mercury is distilled from the separated powders and then reused in the manufacture of dental amalgams.
- Aluminium from the tube ends is separated and recycled into cast products such as metal ingots.
- Phosphor powder is used in the manufacture of fertiliser for the agriculture industry.
- Glass is separated and recycled into glass wool used for home insulation.
Any materials not recycled are transported to landfill for safe disposal. The end result is that hazardous, discarded products are transformed into clean, environmentally sound by-products.
Recycling other lights
Incandescent light bulbs
Incandescent light bulbs are inefficient and are being phased out by the Australia Government. Replacing incandescent bulbs can reduce energy and emission outputs and provide cost savings. They should be replaced with more efficient alternatives and then safely disposed.
LEDs
LED lights are energy-efficient and free from hazardous materials. They can have an even lower environmental footprint if recycled.?
Energy-efficient lighting
In Australia, lighting accounts for around 10% of the average household electricity budget. The popular uptake of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is largely responsible for the reduction of lighting costs in recent years.
LEDs are better value and can be used in many existing fittings. LEDs use about 75% less energy than halogen light bulbs and last 5 to 10 times longer, greatly reducing replacement costs and the number of light bulbs ending up in landfill.
CFLs (compact fluoros) are another type of energy-efficient light. They can use about 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs and can save an average user up to $15 per light bulb per year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to dispose of light globes?
Light globes and bulbs should never be put in your recycling bin. Some kinds of light bulbs are safe to put in your garbage bin, but not all as many contain toxic substances that are harmful to the environment.
Older style incandescent globes and halogens are safe to put in your garbage bin. Wrap them in paper towel or tissues before putting them in the bin. Some recycling programs with drop-off locations may accept these types of globes – call in advance to check.
Fluorescent tubes, compact fluoros (CFLs), HIDs (high-intensity discharge lights) and metal halides are all hazardous types of lights that should not be put in your recycling or garbage bin. These lights can be recycled and safely disposed of through recycling programs that have drop-off locations. Use the information on this page to find a recycling location for light globes near you.
How to dispose of old light globes?
Older style incandescent globes and halogens are safe to put in your garbage bin, but not your recycling bin at home. Wrap them in paper towel or tissues before putting them in the bin. Some specialised programs with drop-off locations may accept these types of globes – call in advance to check.
Old fluorescent tubes, compact fluoros (CFLs), HIDs (high-intensity discharge lights) and metal halides are all hazardous types of lights that should not be put in your recycling or garbage bin. These lights can be recycled and safely disposed of through specialised programs that have drop-off locations. Use the information on this page to find a recycling location for light globes near you.
Are light globes recyclable?
Light globes cannot be recycled via your household recycling bin. If you put a light globe in your recycling bin at home, it will not be recycled and it could damage the other materials in your recycling bin, potentially preventing them from being recycled.
Some types of light globes can be recycled but they must be dropped off at recycling and safe disposal locations. Use the information on this page to find a recycling location for light globes near you.
Can light globes be recycled?
Light globes can be recycled, but only through specialised programs or recyclers. If you put a light globe in your recycling bin at home, it will not be recycled and it could damage the other materials in your recycling bin, potentially preventing them from being recycled.?
To recycle a light globe, it must be dropped off at recycling and safe disposal locations. Use the information on this page to find a recycling location for light globes near you.
How to recycle light globes
The method for disposing of light globes in Australia depends on the type of globe.
Incandescent and halogen globes:
- Halogen and incandescent lights have a heating filament enclosed in glass, usually in a traditional light globe shape.
- They are generally safe to dispose of in your regular garbage bin. For safety, wrap the globes in paper or tissue and put them inside a bag before putting them in the bin.
- While these globes can be recycled, the process is often not cost-effective, so many recycling programs or facilities do not accept them.
- Both halogen and incandescent globes are being phased out in many countries due to their lower energy efficiency compared to newer LED and CFL options. They are often not accepted in recycling programs, but it is safe to put them in your garbage bin at home.?
Fluorescent (CFL) and LED globes:
- Fluorescent lights come in different shapes and sizes. There are long fluorescent tubes and smaller, spiral-shaped bulbs designed to fit standard light fixtures.
- They contain hazardous materials and should be dropped off for recycling or safe disposal. Do not put these lights in your recycling or garbage bins.
- Many councils have specific programs for recycling fluorescent or LED lights. Check directly with your council.
- Use the directory on this page to see if there is a drop-off point near you.
Where to recycle light globes
While incandescent and halogen globes can generally be disposed of in your regular garbage bin, fluorescent and LED globes contain hazardous materials and should be dropped off for recycling or safe disposal.
Australia has specific regulations and recycling programs in place for handling hazardous waste, including fluorescent lights. It's important to follow local guidelines to ensure proper disposal and protect the environment.
Here are some ways to find a recycling location for your light globes:
1. Check with Your Local Council: Many councils have specific programs for recycling light globes. Contact your local council to find out their guidelines.
2. Use the directory on Recycling Near You: Use the directory on this page to see if there is a drop-off location near you.
