A used energy saving bulb is environmentally hazardous waste
Because they contain traces of mercury, energy saving bulbs should be taken to a waste recycling centre.
Take used energy saving bulbs to a waste recycling centre
In Denmark, used energy saving bulbs must be taken to a waste recycling centre or disposed of through a municipal hazardous waste scheme. This is because the bulbs contain traces of mercury.
Recycling
Up to 98% of the materials (e.g. mercury, coating, glass and metal components) can be recycled – for example, they can be used in the production of new bulbs.
Less discharge of mercury with A-rated bulbs than conventional bulbs
Energy saving bulbs typically each contain 1-5 mg of mercury, compared with conventional incandescent bulbs which contain none. Nevertheless, the amount of mercury discharged in Denmark is less overall if you use energy saving bulbs instead of incandescent ones.
The reason for this is because a significant proportion of Denmark’s electricity is produced by coal, which contains small quantities of mercury. Furthermore, many energy saving bulbs are taken to waste recycling centres where the mercury is properly handled.
In other words, energy saving bulbs do not burden the environment with nearly as much mercury as incandescent bulbs.
Page last updated 14.03.2009