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Fluorescent tubes, or as they are also known, fluorescent lamps, are light bulbs that use fluorescence to create visible light. They are typically found in commercial properties, but can also be present in domestic homes.<\/p>\n
Made from glass, fluorescent tubes contain mercury vapour and phosphor powder which glows due to ultraviolet radiation.<\/p>\n
The contents of fluorescent tubes are highly toxic, as the fluorescence is caused by mercury vapour. Despite more modern tubes containing fewer hazardous materials than old bulbs, should they not be handled correctly, the mercury contained within the fluorescent tubes can cause many health problems. Therefore, the correct disposal of fluorescent tubes is imperative.<\/p>\n
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Light bulbs and fluorescent tubes do serve the same purpose, however, the latter is more energy efficient. This is because they produce less heat than regular bulbs.<\/p>\n
Traditional bulbs also produce light differently, as a metallic filament is heated, whereas a tube uses mercury vapour and gases to produce light.<\/p>\n
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Fluorescent tubes count as hazardous waste. The average tube contains around 3.5mg of mercury, which can be dangerous should the tubes break and release their contents. Even though the mercury content is relatively low, mercury can cause damage to the brain, nervous system, kidneys, lungs and other organs. Therefore, extreme caution should be taken to dispose of fluorescent tubes properly.<\/p>\n
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Just one fluorescent tube contains enough mercury to pollute 30,000 litres of water. This is why correct fluorescent tube recycling is so paramount.<\/p>\n
A fluorescent tube should never be disposed of with regular waste, even in glass bins. When fluorescent tubes are shattered, they will release hazardous chemicals into the environment. Even when fluorescent tubes are sent to a typical landfill, or if they are incinerated, mercury vapour is released resulting in contamination to the environment, water supplies and wildlife.<\/p>\n
As mercury vapour is odourless and colourless, identifying a leak can be tough. Therefore, this will risk the health and safety of employees, customers and the general public. The Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment (WEEE Directive) Regulations 2013 state the profound importance of proper disposal.<\/p>\n
Disposal of fluorescent tubes regulations state the business owners must:<\/p>\n
Fluorescent tubes must be stored in an appropriate container whilst awaiting disposal. Bubble wrap can be good for protecting fluorescent tubes whilst they await transportation.<\/p>\n
You can recycle most light bulbs and fluorescent tubes at household recycling centres if you need guidance on domestic fluorescent tube disposal. Many hardware stores and retailers also recycle fluorescent tubes.<\/p>\n
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You must first evacuate the room, should you accidentally break a fluorescent tube. Ensure no one walks through the breakage, open the windows and leave the room for at least 15 minutes.<\/p>\n
As you leave, turn off any central heating or air conditioning.<\/p>\n
After 15 minutes, note the following steps.<\/p>\n
If the fluorescent tube has been broken on a hard surface:<\/strong><\/p>\n As a precaution, do not use a vacuum or broom to clear up the broken tube.<\/p>\n If the fluorescent tube has been broken on a carpet:<\/strong><\/p>\n As a precaution, the next several times that you vacuum your carpet, open a window and leave it open for at least 15 minutes.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Recycling fluorescent tube waste is possible. A specialist waste disposal centre will be able to deconstruct the tubes and the hazardous waste, including mercury and phosphor powder, is removed and isolated. This is then disposed of safely.<\/p>\n The other elements of the fluorescent tubes, including the glass and metal, will also go through the recycling process. The glass is cleaned and checked for contaminates, and then recycled.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.remondis-uk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/AdobeStock_615269612-scaled.jpeg” alt=”Pile of old used fluorescent tubes and electronic waste” title_text=”Heap of Uld used Fluorescent light tube lamps in dump trash and varios type of electro devices. recycled electronic waste. harmful substances. Discarded lamps” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n You cannot dispose of hazardous and harmful waste in a skip. Doing so may harm the skip handler and risk releasing mercury into the environment.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We need to consider the amount of electronic equipment waste we produce yearly. To put this into perspective, 100 million fluorescent tubes are in use across the UK today, with the final total growing by 5% annually. Should these not be properly disposed of, the consequences we could face in terms of impact on the environment could be huge.<\/p>\n Many people are choosing to swap their old fluorescent tubes and light bulbs for LED bulbs and other more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient options, with LED bulbs making up two-thirds of all bulbs sold in the UK. Whilst we are starting to see the gradual phasing out of older lighting equipment, we need to claim accountability for this waste and ensure that it is disposed of and recycled correctly.<\/p>\n Disposing of fluorescent tubes can be quick and easy when you follow the correct steps towards proper disposal.<\/p>\n\n
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Is Fluorescent Tube Recycling Possible?<\/h2>\n
Can You Dispose of Fluorescent Tubes In A Skip?<\/h2>\n
Ensuring The Correct Disposal of Fluorescent Tubes<\/h2>\n