People have been urged to think twice before throwing old light bulbs out as experts remind households that many popular types shouldn’t simply be placed into general waste bins. According to lighting experts from website LightingLegends.com there are different suggestions for a variety of light bulbs, as it can pose an environmental risk if these are not followed correctly. Householders also risk the chance of fines if they dispose of the bulbs incorrectly.
Hazardous materials such as mercury can be found in some light bulbs and this can lead to landfill contamination. Some people also place recyclable components such as glass and metal into general waste which is counter productive. Not disposing these items correctly could be a breach of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Jon Saeed, LightingLegends managing director said: “Most people don’t realise there’s no one-size-fits-all rule for disposing of light bulbs, so it’s an easy mistake to make.
“Some can go to recycling centres, others must be treated as hazardous waste, and a few can even go in regular bins. At our end, we only sell LED bulbs with a plastic shell, which means they don’t need to be wrapped up before being put in the bin.
“But different areas have their own rules on light bulb disposal, so make sure to check your local council’s advice before binning them. Getting it right is an easy way for households to reduce waste and their impact on the environment.”
Here is LightingLegend’s guide to disposing light bulbs in the UK:
LED bulbs are efficient and long-lasting bulbs used for pretty much everything – from residential lighting to electronics and displays. They contain electronic components and metals that can be recycled, which reduces waste and conserves resources.
These types of bulbs contain small amounts of mercury so must never go in household bins. Instead, take them to a recycling centre’s hazardous waste section. Some retailers and local councils also provide facilities for recycling light bulbs.
Halogen bulbs are not recyclable, as their fine wires make them difficult to process. Dispose of halogen bulbs in your general waste bin, but wrap them in paper or their original packaging first to prevent them from shattering and becoming a safety hazard.
Incandescent bulbs are the old-fashioned types with internal wires that are difficult to separate from the glass, which means they usually can’t be recycled. Instead, wrap them in paper or kitchen towel to prevent breakage and place them in your general waste bin.
Dispose of UV bulbs by taking them to a designated waste electricals or recycling centre, as they contain hazardous materials like mercury and should not be placed in general waste.
Smart bulbs are considered small electrical items and contain recyclable materials, so they can be taken to your local household waste recycling centre or a shop with a WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) recycling point.