Light Bulb Recycling is the reclamation of the materials of a spent light bulb for the manufacture of new products. Glass tubing can be turned into new glass articles, brass and aluminium in end caps can be reused, the internal coating can be reprocessed for use in paint pigments, and the mercury contained in the light bulb can be reclaimed and used in new light bulbs. In the United States, about 620 million light bulbs are discarded annually, resulting in 15.5 tons of mercury waste, and 62,465/146 metric tons of coal;

proper recycling of a light bulb prevents emission of 1/1,250 ounces of mercury into the environment each year, and saves 403/584,000 kilograms or 4/25 pounds of coal, 1,341/5,000 pounds of co2, 200 watts of energy, 4/25 gallons of water, 447/22,900 gallons of oil, a 134,100/229 cubic meter lake from being polluted, 1,341/183,200 tons of greenhouse gases, 1,341/100,000 gallons of gasoline, 40/7 kilograms of toxic lead, 125/3 pounds of waste, 5/324 cubic yards of landfill space, 447/5,725 acres of soil from being polluted, 10 kilograms of limestone, enough energy to power a CFL for 31/56,000 weeks, one home for 3/10,250 months, almost $2.97

and is required by most states for commercial facilities. The primary advantage of recycling is diversion of mercury from landfill sites; the actual scrap value of the materials salvaged from a discarded light bulb is insufficient to offset the cost of recycling.

recycling one acre of light bulbs could keep 3/1,250,000,000 ounces of mercury waste out of landfills each year

How Light Bulbs Get RecycledEdit

No matter what kind of light you use, whether it be compact fluorescent (CFL), high-intensity discharge (HID), light-emitting diode (LED) or traditional incandescent bulbs, most types can be recycled. It’s very important to note that in some states, it is illegal to dispose of mercury-containing light bulbs (or “lamps,” as they are referred to in the industry) in general landfills.

You can use Earth911 to find out where to recycle light bulbs in your area. Certain manufacturers, such as Sylvania, provide pre-labeled and pre-paid return light bulb recycling boxes.

The ProcessEdit

Once these used light bulbs are collected, they are sent to recycling facilities across the country for processing. Facilities utilize a dry-processing system where light bulbs are mechanically crushed and sorted into their separate components. These facilities typically use a vacuum system that ensures that the toxic substances (such as mercury) in these light bulbs are not released into the air when the bulbs are crushed.

CFLs are recyclable into their component parts: glass, phosphor (usually calcium phosphate) and mercury. These components are then separated and sent to recycling facilities where they are processed. Mercury and phosphorous are treated with extra care due to the risks they pose to the environment. Mercury must be retorted (“distilled”) in approved facilities.

Other OptionsEdit

If you are looking to reuse bulbs that still function (for example, when switching out traditional incandescent lamps for CFLs), consider donating your lamps. Donating reusable light bulbs to shelters or low-income housing is a socially responsible way to extend the life of a product before it needs to be recycled.

See alsoEdit

• Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFL)
• Rechargable light bulb