Light bulbs

Spent light bulbs should be disposed of in the normal refuse collection. They should be contained/wrapped to prevent danger from broken glass.

Light bulbs should not be placed in the glass recycling banks. They are made from a different type of glass which does not melt at normal temperatures and could contaminate whole batches of glass sent for recycling.

Low energy light bulbs

While low energy bulbs are considered environmentally friendly in their ability to help us cut carbon emissions, spent bulbs are classed as hazardous waste because they contain mercury. Recolight-CoBRA (opens in a new window) can help you to set up a local community recycling point. Recolight then recycles the collected bulbs, safely removing the mercury element and allowing for correct disposal, or reuse.

If you are interested in setting up a low energy light bulb collection point near you, why not watch Recolight-COBRA's recruitment video to find out how their scheme works (opens in a new window) .

Fluorescent tubes

Fluorescent tubes present a particular problem and are not accepted in many refuse collection systems. They should be taken to household recycling centres where they can be safely disposed of. The materials will be sent to a special treatment centre where all the components can be recovered and re-used. Look for the white containers at the sites.

IT hardware (computers, printers etc).

Outlets for the reuse or recycling of IT equipment are beginning to open. Alternatively, such equipment may be deposited at household recycling centres. Reusable equipment may be salvaged, and metals and wiring may be recycled.