Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that the world, and more specifically our lighting industry, have been transformed by technology over the past two decades.
These changes have created some confusion among consumers, even early adopters. One area that we get a lot of questions about is lamp and fixture disposal.
Lamp recycling was a hot topic about a decade or two ago when linear and compact fluorescent lamps were market leaders. However, with the advent of LED technology many consumers don’t know where disposal and recycling practices stand these days. As a result, we are getting an increasing number of questions about disposal and recycling that we will address in this blog.
In addition, we recommend you see www.lamprecycle.org for a complete overview and additional resources.
Can LED lamps and fixtures be recycled?
LED and LED Fixtures may be recycled. These materials are typically non-hazardous, but are composed of electronic components and other materials that can be reused or re-manufactured.
Can traditional (non-LED) lamps and ballasts be recycled?
NaturaLED recommends recycling compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and linear fluorescent tubes as well as H.I.D. lamps and ballasts at the end of their lives. All fluorescent and H.I.D. lamps require a very small amount of mercury to operate with high efficiency. Recycling recovers lamp materials, including mercury, for reuse and keeps any harmful materials out of the waste stream.
Can I just throw spent lamps and fixtures in the trash or am I required by law to recycle lamps and fixtures?
Recycling linear fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) is required in many locations.
Currently, at least 10 states have laws that limit or prohibit the disposal of fluorescent tubes and CFL lamps as normal waste. These laws generally require these lamps to be recycled as universal waste. In addition, there may be local, county, or city disposal restrictions. Many government facilities also require fluorescent and H.I.D. lamp and ballast recycling.
Recycling of LED lamps and fixtures is not required, but recommended, in all states. These regulations are being reviewed regularly so we recommend checking with your local authorities or recycling companies before disposing of LED products.
Information about lamp recycling can be found at www.lamprecycle.org
How do I go about recycling these lighting products?
The first step should be to check with your local municipality and recycling facility to determine their process. There are many different recycling companies in the country, and some may even offer pickup or mail-back programs. Local municipalities may also offer additional options for recycling lamps and electronic waste.
How much will it cost to recycle my spent lighting products?
In many cases, recycling lighting products is free, especially if you drop them off at designated locations. In several states and municipalities, manufacturers and retailers pay to support recycling efforts and drop off locations. In the case of LED fixtures, many local cities have electronic recycling events free of charge. However, some specialized recycling programs may charge a fee to recycle lighting products. Always check with your local recycling facility and municipality for specific details.
Why should I recycle my lighting products?
First and foremost, if there are laws and regulations that require lamp or electronic recycling, you need to comply. But more importantly, it’s the right and responsible thing to do. By recycling your lighting products you are helping to prevent harmful materials like mercury from entering landfills and potentially contaminating the environment. Recycling also allows valuable materials such as glass, metals, and phosphor to be recovered and reused, reducing the need to use new raw materials.
What happens to those lighting products when they’re placed for recycling?
Once lamps and fixtures are collected for recycling, they undergo several processes:
- Sorting: The lighting products are sorted based on type and material.
- Crushing and Separation: Fluorescent lamps are often crushed in a controlled environment in order to separate the glass, metals, and phosphor powder. Solid state materials in an LED are separated into electrical and electronic components.
- Recovery: The separated materials are then processed and sent to manufacturers to create new products, thereby closing the recycling loop.
In summary, recycling both traditional lamps and LEDs is a crucial step in protecting our environment and conserving resources. By understanding the importance of lamp recycling and following proper disposal methods, you are doing your part to ensure a more sustainable future. Remember, every small action counts, and together, we can make a significant impact!