Domestic lamp disposal

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) are a type of energy-saving light bulb. They contain a very small amount of mercury, which is a potentially harmful substance. The mercury can’t escape while the light bulb is being used, and they pose no risk to health if they’re disposed of safely, but you must take extra care when handling them.

Fluorescent lamps now have a crossed-out bin logo on their packaging, which signifies that they shouldn’t be disposed of with normal household rubbish. It’s usually possible to recycle them at your local recycling centre.

Click here to find your local recycling centre

If a CFL breaks accidentally, air the room for about 15 minutes and then collect the broken glass carefully using kitchen paper. Clean the area afterwards with a wet cloth, avoiding contact with your skin by wearing rubber gloves, and don’t use a vacuum cleaner. Remember not to put the broken light bulb with your household waste – it should be recycled as above.

The Lightbulb Company offers a lamp disposal service for all light bulbs in line with our responsibilities under the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive. Please contact us at lampdisposals@thelightbulb.co.uk or download our lamp disposal brochure for more information.

Light sensitivity

CFLs and all other energy-saving light bulbs are safe for domestic and work use. However, the UV light they give off can affect a very small number of people who suffer from conditions that make them more sensitive to light. This is particularly true if the lamps are being used at close range or for prolonged periods.

The Health Protection Agency has issued some precautionary advice for using certain types of fluorescent lamps. You can read more about it here.