Everything you need to know about recycling fluorescent lights
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Learn more about recycling fluoro lights at work
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 workplaces in the forms of overhead lights (these lights will usually be long tubes) and CFL bulbs (often shaped in spirals instead of globes).
Recycling options
- There are commercial recyclers that accept fluorescent lights for recycling. Use the directory on this page to find a recycler near you. Always call the recycler in advance to check if they will accept the type of light you want to recycle.
- A number of commercial recycling companies provide fluorescent recycling pick-up services. Generally, a collection box is provided for used lights, together with a pick-up service.
- Small businesses with small quantities of fluorescent lights to recycle may be able to access their council’s hazardous waste program. Your council may have a permanent drop-off location, or they may organise periodic events. Contact your council directly for information.
Recycling scheme
FluoroCycle is a voluntary partnership between government and industry to increase the recycling of lamps that contain mercury. The program was established in 2009 by The Environment Protection and Heritage Council (EPHC) and is administered by the Lighting Council Australia. FluoroCycle targets commercial and public lighting which accounts for approximately 90% of all lighting waste. Visit the website for a list of recyclers across the country.
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
Fluorescent tubes and lights, CFLs (compact fluoros), HIDs (high-intensity discharge lights) and metal halides can be recycled through commercial recyclers. They should not be put in recycling or garbage bin because they contain toxic substances that are hazardous to the environment.
LEDs
LED lights are energy-efficient and free from hazardous materials. They can have an even lower environmental footprint if recycled.
Halogen lamps
Halogen lamps produce light as by product of heat and are inefficient lighting devices particularly for illuminating large spaces. Halogens are being partially phased out by the Australian Government and should be replaced with more efficient LED or compact fluorescent lamps.
HID lamps
High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps contain a small amount of toxic mercury. If disposed of in landfill this mercury may cause environmental contamination. Instead HID lamps should be recycled to recover mercury and other valuable resources for use in new products.
Incandescent 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.
Energy-efficient lights
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 the majority of 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
Are light globes recyclable?
Light globes cannot be recycled via recycling bins. 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.
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 (after wrapping them in paper towel or tissue).
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.
•Use the directory on this page to find a recycler near you.
