Energy Saving Light Bulb Disposal: A Guide

Energy saving lighting solutions are becoming more and more prevalent in the homes and businesses of today, as people look to cut energy costs and become more aware of the carbon footprints that their energy consumption leaves behind. The advantages of using these bulbs are seemingly endless; they last for much longer than regular bulbs, they burn brighter, they consume far less energy and they are environmentally-friendly. But with the surge in popularity of these lighting solutions, there also comes the question of how to dispose of these bulbs.

Disposing of energy saving light bulbs properly is vital in the bid to protect the environment, as each one contains an average of five milligrams of mercury. If exposed due to incorrect disposal of these bulbs, this small amount can pollute much larger amounts of air and water. Though the mercury is utterly harmless when encased within the bulb, if the glass is broken and the mercury escapes during the disposal of the bulb, they can pose risks both to the public and to the environment.

When disposing of these types of bulb, it is important to understand that they should only be thrown away into normal bins if there is no other option, and even then, they should be wrapped tightly in plastic bags which are sealed. Alternatively, there are many recycling stations across the UK which handle hazardous materials and understand how to get rid of such items which are potentially harmful.

If one of these energy-saving light bulbs is smashed, it is also important to take the right precautions. All windows should be opened and the room should be completely cleared for at least fifteen minutes. Disposable rubber gloves and stiff cardboard or paper should be used to collect the glass fragments, with adhesive tape used to collect any excess powder. The entire area can be cleaned thoroughly with a wet wipe, and once all of the debris has been collected and cleared, the normal recycling instructions should be followed.

The great advantage of using energy saving LED bulbs is that they will often last for decades, or even lifetimes, and will rarely burn out or need to be replaced, minimising the amount of times these procedures will need to be carried out. But with the energy saving bulb becoming more and more common, it is important that the general public understand how to correctly dispose of their waste lighting solutions, as well as clear up any breakages which may occur as a result of an accident.

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