Why Recycle Fluorescent Lamps?

With the ever increasing popularity of the CFL-Compact Fluorescent Lamp (Or as some would say, the "Ice Cream" shaped lamp), comes the added responsibility of knowing what to do with them when they are at the end of life? There have been some great features on CFL's and the benefits of them. From saving energy, to lowering the impact of carbon footprints and green house gases.

We will not be discussing this today but instead would like to ask the question, "Why recycle fluorescent lamps"? All high energy efficient lamps contain mercury for the operation of the lamps. My Eco Lamp

Earth911 has summarized it this way on it's site under the topic of Facts About Light Bulbs We especially like the area that asks "What’s the Deal With Mercury?

Some lamps include mercury and are regulated by local governments as it relates to proper disposal. Throwing your burnt-out lamps in the trash is not only dangerous, but illegal. In such states as California, Minnesota, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana and many more, it is unlawful for anyone to dispose of fluorescent lamps as universal waste. If you’re looking for somewhere to drop your spent CFL, you can recycle CFLs using Earth911.

* Every year, about 600 million fluorescent light bulbs are disposed of in U.S. landfills.
* This amounts to about 30,000 pounds of mercury waste.
* These bulbs can break and the vapors can harm not only workers, but also the environment through seeping into groundwater.
* In 1992, mercury containing bulbs were added to the U.S. EPA’s list of hazardous substances. Five years later, they moved to number three on that list.


To find out more about the topic of lamp recycling or to start a program at your home or business, visit My Eco Lamp online. We offer affordable solutions for lamp recycling. In addition, we would love to hear from you. If you have a question about recycling or just curious about something, drop us a line.