I have a compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL/eco bulb) that has stopped working. What do I do with it now? I understand it has a tiny bit of mercury in it, and that there is a safe way for it to be recycled and the mercury re-used... ??
Submitted by Lindis on 25 August 2008 11:54:19
Comments
Hey Lindis. Good question about what is the best way to dispose of your old CFLs.
Since I'm picking that the bulb hasn't broken, your best bet is probably just to put it away some place safe and wait for the next collection date for the Auckland HazMobile. The next collection for Auckland City is scheduled for the 18th October, so if you have any other hazerdous waste, you can take it down then as well.
I would also suggest giving your local council a call as they may have some more region specific infornmation about the best way to dispose of CFLs.
Submitted by Andrew on 27 August 2008 11:06:14
Thanks for that info, Andrew. I will save up my bulbs for the Hazmobile.
Do you know if this is going to be the accepted way to dispose of CFLs from now on? It seems that expecting the consumer to make extra efforts to dispose of an item such as a light bulb is never going to work. I'm a pretty committed eco-aware consumer so I am prepared to go to extra effort to ensure I'm doing the 'right' thing, but I would imagine the average householder is just going to drop the old bulb in their rubbish bin.
On the other hand, I can't think of a better option for disposal... it's not like councils are going to have a whole dedicated door-to-door collection system just for our old bulbs. Hmmm... it's a dilemma.
On the other hand, I save up my old batteries for the hazmobile so I suppose it's no different...
Submitted by Lindis on 27 August 2008 12:15:10
The Ministry for the Environment is currently working with the lighting industry to address the issues around the disposal and recycling of CFLs. The plan is to develop a safe way to manage the lifecycle of used CFLs. This may be through the reduction or elimination of the mercury in CFL bulbs, or the establishment of an appropriate end-of-life recycling scheme, or both.
In addition to saving your used bulbs up for the Hazmobile, you could also try local lighting suppliers and see if they provide a drop-off service for used CFLs.
Check out the Ministry for the Environment's information sheet on the use and disposal of CFLs for more information.
Hope that helps!
Submitted by Andrew on 4 September 2008 10:31:57
Given that in Rodney there is no HazMobile. What do I do with the CFL's that have stopped working?
Submitted by choccers on 15 September 2008 18:26:54
Just recently I had to replace a fluorescent tube. I took the old tube back to the retailer and they were happy to take it back & dispose of it. I specifically asked them to confirm that they were going to send it for recycling rather than just chuck it in the skip bin out the back, and they assured me it would be "properly disposed of" but the shop assistant couldn't give me any details!
Submitted by Lindis on 17 September 2008 10:26:22
I work for Interwaste - a NZ owned and operated company which operates throughout NZ.
We fully recycle fluorescent lights.
Many of the major electrical suppliers are now using us, and will take back your old lights - especially if you are buying a new light from them.
Visit www.interwaste.co.nz for more information or email me at cait@interwaste.co.nz for more help.
Regards, Cait
Submitted by CaitB on 8 October 2008 14:57:38
Yay Cait! Thanks for that reassurance. I will now happily return my used bulbs when i purchase a new one and make sure they are coming to you guys for recycling :)
Submitted by Lindis on 9 October 2008 13:53:29