Fluorescent Tube Recycling

Today fluorescent tube lights are commonly used in homes because of the energy savings you can expect, but the simple truth is that once those energy savers don’t work any longer, understanding how to dispose of them is more complicated than you think. In fact, when you’re ready to change yours, fluorescent tube recycling is your only option.

Why You Should Recycle Flurorescent Tubes

Simply discarding the fluorescent tubes with your regular garbage is not the answer once yours has died. In fact, it’s illegal in many jurisdictions, and for good reason. As helpful as this form of light can be, each tube contains small amounts of mercury, lead, and arsenic that can contaminate the water supply and soil if discarded in landfill sites. That could be truly dangerous if you just dump those tubes in the trash.

Electronic Waste Disposal 

The moment it’s time to change your tube, the time for serious precautions begins. You don’t want the glass to break and expose you to serious chemicals in the process of switching out tubes. To uninstall it carefully, unplug the fixture (if possible), then twist the tube 90 degrees using both hands. Pull one end of it straight down, then lower the entire bulb.

Once the fluorescent tube is removed, place it back in its original container. If you do not have the original container, it should be wrapped in a towel or paper to prevent breakage.

The next step is to store your fluroescent tube for recycling. To understand the options available and guidelines for light bulb disposal in your community, check out your community’s website for electronic waste disposal. You could seriously simplify things if you live in the San Diego area, though. Call SES and have your fluorescent tubes picked up for recycling. We’ll be happy to help you stay a bit greener!