Advice for consumers

Why do I need to be careful how I dispose of my Energy Saving Light bulbs and Fluorescent tubes?

Energy Saving Light bulbs function in much the same way as a fluorescent tube. They contain a minute amount of mercury (just enough to cover the tip of a ballpoint pen). This mercury allows them to deliver their substantial energy saving benefits. These light bulbs should not be put in the normal household waste. A more environmentally friendly and responsible way of  disposal is to ensure that the light bulbs are recycled at the end of their life, either at your local authority Household Waste Recycling Centre or at a Sainsbury's store.

 search our map to find your nearest lamp recycling point.

New Energy Saving Light bulbs and Fluorescent tubes sold today now carry a crossed wheelie bin, a reminder that they can not be thown out with your normal household rubbish, but recycled separately. The symbol is also used on electrical items that are covered by the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations.

Where can I recycle my old light bulbs?

You can take your old bulbs to your local Household Waste Recycling Centre and place in the special containers provided. These containers are then returned to specialist recyclers for treatment. Alternatively, we have launched a collection container at 200 Sainsbury's stores around the country - search our map to find your nearest branch

Is a broken bulb dangerous?

Scientists at the Health Protection Agency have reviewed the potential health effects of mercury exposure from broken compact fluorescent lightbulbs. They found the exposure is likely to be very small - and much lower than from other broken mercury containing products such as some types of thermometer and barometers. Professor Virginia Murray, Consultant Medical Toxicologist, said: "Compact fluorescent lightbulbs contain a tiny amount of mercury - roughly enough to cover the tip of a ball point pen.  A small proportion of this could be released into a room if the bulb is broken, but this does not pose a health risk to anyone immediately exposed.

"As a precautionary measure, the HPA advise that the room should be ventilated and the bulb cleaned up and disposed of properly."

How should I deal with a broken Energy Saving Light bulb or Fluorescent tube?

On hard surfaces wipe the area with a damp cloth, place that in the plastic bag and seal it.

Sticky tape (e.g. duct tape or similar) can be used to pick up small residual pieces or powder from soft furnishings and then placed in a sealed plastic bag.

The plastic bag doesn't need to be air tight, but should be reasonably sturdy. Place it in another, similar bag and seal that one as well (again, this minimises cuts from broken glass). The public should contact the local authority for advice on where to dispose of broken or intact CFLs as they should be treated as hazardous waste.

What happens to the light bulbs that are recycled?

The energy-saving light bulbs are collected and taken to a specialist recycling facility where the materials are separated and recovered. Some of these materials, such as the glass, can then be used again in the manufacture of new light bulbs.

What happens if we don’t recycle energy-saving light bulbs?

In small quantities, they are unlikely to cause any risk to human health, but if large quantities of these lamps are sent to landfill the mercury content could contaminate soil, water and have a detrimental effect to our wildlife.