Waste segregation is very important if you want to live on a safe planet. Find out where to dispose of light bulbs to avoid contributing to the deepening ecological crisis. Remember that not all of them can simply be thrown in the bin.
What will you learn from this article?
Proper light bulb disposal is very important, not only for ecological but also for economic reasons. If you put effort into waste segregation, you can ensure lower waste disposal costs. From this article, you will learn:
Why is the segregation of light bulbs and electronic equipment so important?
How to properly dispose of different types of old light bulbs?
Can LED bulbs be thrown directly into the bin?
Are light bulbs hazardous waste?
Where to dispose of light bulbs and other electronic waste?
Proper waste segregation is currently the number one topic in social debate. This is due to increasing ecological awareness and the recognition of the problem of planetary pollution. Unfortunately, many Polish households still do not adhere to established rules and throw electronic waste into regular bins.
Used electrical equipment, lamps, and light bulbs must be taken to a special electronic waste collection point. Lamp stores often organize campaigns for their customers to collect large quantities of lamps. Additionally, near hypermarkets, you can find bins and containers for collecting electronic waste. Details on what to do with light bulbs and their various types can be found below.
How to dispose of traditional bulbs?
Although traditional incandescent bulbs have been withdrawn from common sale due to consuming too much electricity, they are still found in some older appliances, such as fans or ovens.
Ordinary bulbs can work for 1000 hours. After this time, they must be replaced with new ones. The advantage of these products is easy disposal. You can simply throw them into mixed waste at your home, that is, into a black or gray container.
Where to dispose of halogen bulbs?
Halogen bulbs, although considered energy-saving, structurally resemble the classic ones. They are used in technical lighting and also in car headlights. Their lifespan is up to 4000 hours. Like traditional bulbs, halogens can be disposed of in mixed waste, but it's a good idea to also take them to an electronic waste collection point.
Can LED bulbs be thrown into the trash?
LED bulbs operate reliably for up to 50,000 - 100,000 hours. They are available in different shapes, have varying intensities, and colors of light. They are extremely versatile. That's why, when it comes to the question of what lighting to choose for a bathroom, typically LED diodes lead the way. Although their replacement is very rare, it causes some people to forget how to handle them properly.
Firstly, LED bulbs are classified as electronic devices, so they require separate disposal. They are a source of important raw materials. If you want to act in accordance with the law, you must take them to a special electronic waste collection point, or recycling center. Many electronics stores also have special bins for electronic waste.
The manufacturer is obliged to include instructions on where to dispose of used bulbs on each package. Follow the recommendations. The big advantage is that used LED bulbs do not contain hazardous substances, so in case of breakage, they do not pose a threat to the surroundings. When planning to dispose of broken LED bulbs, just do everything to limit the possibility of injury.
How to dispose of fluorescents?
Used fluorescent lamps are hazardous waste. They are filled with highly toxic gaseous mercury. Under no circumstances can they be thrown into a regular trash bin, as this carries legal liability. They must be taken to an electronic waste collection point.
It is very important to handle fluorescents and other energy-saving bulbs carefully if they break.
First, ventilate the room where the incident occurred.
Always wear rubber protective gloves, then wipe the breakage area with a damp cloth.
Place broken fluorescents and cleaning accessories in a bag, tie it securely, and hand it over to a waste disposal company. Remember to inform the employee about the contents.
Used bulbs are subject to waste segregation
Plastic, paper, metal, glass are waste materials that need to be sorted and placed in dedicated containers or bags. The natural environment requires engagement from each of us, and recycling guarantees the reuse of resources, which are not unlimited. Lighting greatly facilitates many daily tasks. You can read books late into the night and perform various tasks that would be impossible without light. After purchasing a new bulb, remember to handle the old one appropriately:
Traditional incandescent bulbs can be thrown into mixed waste, that is, a black or gray bag.
LED bulbs and fluorescents require special disposal. These are electronic waste that is a source of valuable materials or contain hazardous substances, such as mercury in the case of fluorescent lamps. Throwing fluorescents and LED bulbs into regular bins is strictly prohibited. There are several places where you can take them:
special electronic waste collection points,
electronics stores,
special bins for used LED bulbs.