Everything you need to know about recycling halogen lights
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How to recycle halogen lights
Halogen lamps and bulbs do not contain mercury like some other types of lights such as fluorescent lights. This means they are not hazardous and can be disposed of in general waste bins.
Recycling options
- Currently, there is no national recycling program for halogen light bulbs and lamps. Some commercial operators that accept mercury-containing florescent lamps may also accept halogen lights for recycling or disposal. Use the directory on this page to see if there is a recycler near you. Always call the recycler in advance to check if they will accept the type of light you want to recycle.
- If you cannot find a recycler, halogens can be safely disposed of in general waste bins. Wrap the bulb in paper towel or tissue and put it inside a bag before putting it in the bin so it can be safely handled.
Halogens are being partially phased out by the Australian Government and should be replaced with more efficient lights such as LED or compact fluorescent lights.
Why recycle?
Halogen lamps and bulbs are more efficient than incandescent lights and have a longer lifetime but, like traditional incandescent bulbs, they produce light as a by-product of heat and are only suited to down lighting where they highlight a particular area. For general room lighting they need to be used in large quantities to provide enough light, which means that energy consumption increases significantly.
Some forms of halogen lights are being phased out by the Australia Government and will no longer be available for sale. Halogen lights contain no mercury and at the end of their life should be safely disposed of to landfill, if there are no recycling options available. They should not be placed in glass or comingled recycling where the heatproof glass will contaminate the recycling.
What happens to them?
A normal halogen light bulb is made up of a small quartz envelope. At the centre of the lamp is a tungsten filament. The envelope also contains a gas from the halogen group, which combines with the tungsten vapour. Halogen bulbs do not contain mercury like compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and can be safely disposed of to landfill. They should never be placed in normal glass recycling or comingled recycled, as they are a contaminant.
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.
Fluorescent lights
Fluorescent light globes are the largest source of mercury contamination in municipal landfills. If recycled, however, mercury and other components can be safely recovered and reused to make valuable products.
Find out more.
LED
LED lights are energy-efficient and free from hazardous materials. They can have an even lower environmental footprint if recycled.
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.
