{"id":6334,"date":"2022-07-29T05:23:50","date_gmt":"2022-07-28T23:53:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bringuptodate.com\/?p=6334"},"modified":"2022-07-29T05:23:51","modified_gmt":"2022-07-28T23:53:51","slug":"how-to-dispose-of-led-light-bulbs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bringuptodate.com\/how-to-dispose-of-led-light-bulbs\/","title":{"rendered":"Environment Alert! Learn How To Dispose Of LED Light Bulbs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

My mornings usually begin with a cup of coffee and scrolling through Twitter. I am pretty particular about keeping up with what’s happening around me. But last Sunday, I was devastated by the pictures of mounds of trash and plastic bottles on the shores of Guatemala. I am glad that so many NGOs and volunteers are coming forward for the cleaning drives but it is high time that we give this issue serious thought. The pictures hit me so hard that I went into an introspection mode, thinking about how I could contribute to solving the problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I decided to focus on one of the major problems of current times- electronic waste. Electronic waste contains around 1,000 toxic materials that can contaminate soil and groundwater. Exposure to such toxic materials can cause many diseases and disorders. Taking a step at a time, I wrote an article about how to dispose of LED light bulbs. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though LED bulbs do not contain mercury, unlike other light bulbs, they have small amounts of hazardous substances like arsenic, lead, etc. Hence, you must not dispose of them with your household waste to prevent these toxins from entering the water table. If it is impossible to recycle LED lights, you must dispose of them carefully and correctly. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we will learn how to dispose of light bulbs, <\/strong>but before that, let us understand a few basics about the need for proper disposal of electronic waste, including light bulbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Electronic Waste: Meaning And Hazards<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Electronic<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Electronic waste is one of the faster-growing waste problems on the planet. We produce around 50 million tonnes of electronic waste each year, which is set to increase. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The electronic waste consists of electrical and electronic equipment that is outdated, unwanted, or damaged. The waste includes smartphones, refrigerators, light bulbs, air-conditioners, etc. Basically, electronic waste is everything that runs on electricity that you have decided to get rid of. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Globally, we recycle only 10% of the electronic waste, and the rest, 90%, ends up getting landfilled or incinerated. This is a major global issue of the current time that we must address.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Electronic and electric equipment contain small amounts of hazardous substances like mercury, arsenic, lead, silver, etc. Improper disposal leads these toxins from entering the water table, causing various health hazards in the form of diseases and disorders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lifespan Of Light Bulbs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Lifespan<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The average life of an incandescent light bulb and an energy-saving halogen light bulb is around 1000 hours. A CFL light bulb lasts 10,000 hours, while an LED light bulb can last long.<\/a> An LED light bulb can go on for more than 25,000 hours. This fact makes an LED light last for about 25-30 years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since LED lights produce significantly less heat than other bulbs and have a different working principle, these lights do not burn out that easily (well in most cases, in case they do read this article<\/a>), making them not only a cost-efficient and energy-efficient lighting solution but also an environmentally informed choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can Light Bulbs Be Recycled?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The basic principle of non-biodegradable waste management is the 3Rs, i.e., <\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Reduce<\/strong>, <\/li>
  2. Reuse<\/strong>, and <\/li>
  3. Recycle<\/strong>. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Since light bulbs are a necessity and with such widespread primary and vogue usage, reducing their use is challenging; we can ensure that they are reused and recycled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Like any other glass or metal product, the metal and glass used in most light bulbs are recyclable. However, this is not true for light bulbs with a lot of wiring, as wires get difficult and challenging to separate. The cost of separating the materials may vary per the availability of facilities, as not all facilities are equipped with procedures and tools to process the light bulbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Of all kinds of light bulbs, LED light bulbs claim to be highly recyclable. According to a study<\/a> by GreenTech Solutions, we can recycle 90-95% of LED lights if the facility for the same is available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The manufacturers sell the bulbs to the retailers, who further sell them to the consumers. Once the consumer decides to dispose of the light bulb, they send them to the facility where the bulbs are collected. The collected bulb is then recycled or refurbished. The light bulb that does not reach the facility ends up in landfills or is incinerated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Here’s what the lifecycle of a light bulb looks like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Can<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    How To Dispose Of Light Bulbs?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \"How<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Humans have caused a lot of damage to the environment due to excessive plastic and e-waste generation. But it is now time we realize the importance of proper disposal of waste. While light bulbs aren’t the equipment we change every now and then, they eventually need to be replaced if they are old-fashioned or stop working. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And when the bulb needs to be replaced, it is not always easy to figure out how to get rid of light bulbs<\/strong> in the most responsible way possible. Especially if there is no one-size-fits-all solution for the problem, as how to dispose of light bulbs<\/strong> depends upon the type you are using and the area you live in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In this section of the article, we shall discuss the disposal methods of various kinds of light bulbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How To Dispose Of Incandescent Light Bulbs?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"How<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Unfortunately, we cannot recycle incandescent light bulbs as they have many wires that are difficult to separate. While they are not recyclable, incandescent light bulbs are also not really hazardous to the environment as these light bulbs do not have mercury in them. When disposing of incandescent light bulbs, you may throw them in the trash with your other household waste. I recommend wrapping them in newspaper or waste paper to prevent them from shattering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How To Dispose Of Halogen Light Bulbs?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"How<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Halogen light bulbs are no longer sold in the UK, and by the end of the year 2023, these lighting solutions will no longer be available for sale in the United States of America, with some exceptions like automobile usage. However, you may still have some old light bulbs that you have installed in your homes or offices until they burn out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Once your halogen light bulb burns out, you may have to look for how to get rid of light bulbs.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Unfortunately, you can not recycle halogen light bulbs as they contain fine wires which are difficult to separate from glass and metal during the recycling process. As a result, most recycling facilities do not accept these bulbs for recycling. However, since these light bulbs do not contain mercury, they can be disposed of with your regular household waste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How To Dispose Of CFL Light Bulbs?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    CFL light bulbs boast a longer lifespan, and hence some people might consider them environmentally friendly. However, these light bulbs are made using mercury, a toxin that enters the water table through landfills and leads to many diseases and disorders in living beings. Hence, your options are limited when considering how to dispose of CFL light bulbs.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I strongly recommend against throwing your incandescent light bulbs in with your usual <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    household waste. These light bulbs must be disposed of safely and responsibly as light bulbs containing mercury, and other toxins should be recycled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How to Dispose Of LED Bulbs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Since LED bulbs do not contain toxic and life-threatening mercury, so in many states in the U S these light bulbs are considered safe to be thrown along with regular household trash. However, since these contain other hazardous chemicals, such as arsenic, lead, etc., you may be required to recycle your LED light bulbs or dispose of the bulbs at special facilities, depending on your area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    LED bulbs are made of mostly glass and metal, making recycling even more critical so the non-renewable materials can be recovered, recycled, and reused. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Can You Throw Off LED Light Bulbs With Household Trash?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
    \"Can<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    If you are wondering ‘can you throw LED light bulbs in the trash<\/strong>,’ this section of the article will answer the question for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you are legally allowed to do so as per the federal law of your state, you may dispose of your LED lights with regular trash of your house by throwing them away in the garbage. However, I strongly advise wrapping them in paper or plastic wrap to avoid the glass pieces from ripping through the garbage bag. This also prevents any hazardous materials from escaping through the garbage bag in case the light bulb breaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If the federal law of your state does not allow you to throw the LED light bulbs in the garbage bag, you may need to drop them at or mail them to a particular trash facility, a hazardous waste collection site in your area. You may have to follow a specific procedure for disposing of your light bulbs at the facility, depending on the rules of the waste collection site. You may contact the facility nearby and ask about their disposal rules and regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Federal Regulations For Waste Disposal And Recycling In The US<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    While there is no national law for mandatory recycling, some states have federal laws that mandate recycling. Sometimes local governments team up with non-profit organizations to successfully implement a recycling program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Environment<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    In the wake of the increasing non-biodegradable waste ending up in landfills, more and more federal and local governments are introducing regulations that mandate or encourage their citizens to recycle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n