Lamp Recycling : How To Recycle CFLs Properly
If you are interested in recycling your fluorescent bulbs, bring them to your local recycling center. Most centers are equipped and outfitted to properly dispose of the lamps. Note that it is very rare for you to get any kind of pay back, as with aluminum cans and certain kinds of glass. There are also no regulations or laws regarding the recycling by an end user or consumer of lamps. However, if you notice that your local super market or office is improperly disposing of their fluorescent lamps, you should contact the Environmental Protection Agency, as there are very stringent regulations on the disposal and recycling of fluorescent lamps for businesses. A business does not recycle its fluorescent lamps is causing undue damage to the environment and is a threat to you and the community.
If you want to support the further recycling of fluorescent lamps, you may want to write a letter to or call your local senator or congress person. Though they do not control recycling by-laws on a local level, they are the ones who can get a much needed set of legislation on the national level to promote the proper recycling of lamps. The Environmental Protection Agency has been calling for Federal legislation for a long time; the current system only allows local and state level politicians to set the regulations. Also, contact your local alderman or even your town's mayor to find out what the recycling laws are for your town or city. Many jurisdictions do not have proper lamp recycling laws, and are allowing polluters to release mercury into the air and water. Every small step we take is a step in the right direction for our environment.
