How to dispose of a fluorescent tube properly
Fluorescent tubes are commonly used in homes and businesses for their energy efficiency, which has made fluorescent tube disposal a very important part of clearance projects across the UK. However, when they burn out or break, they become hazardous waste that require specific treatment.
In this complete guide, we explain how your project, whether its a construction or housebuilding site clearance, can dispose of a fluorescent tube safely and responsibly.
Ready to get started? Let’s dig in.
Why proper disposal of fluorescent tubes is essential
Fluorescent tubes are considered hazardous waste because of the mercury found inside having toxic and harmful elements that don’t break down, posing a huge risk to our landfills. If disposal isn’t correctly managed, mercury can also leak into soil or water, causing serious environmental damage. Moreover, inhaling mercury vapours from a broken tube can be a huge risk to human health, posing a threat to your workforce. Therefore, it’s crucial to follow the correct procedures when disposing of these lights.
Steps to safely dispose of fluorescent tubes
1. Check local regulations
Before disposing of fluorescent tubes, check your local recycling and hazardous waste disposal regulations. Some areas have specific guidelines or collection programs for hazardous materials like mercury-containing bulbs. It’s important to know these rules to avoid any fines and ensure proper disposal.
2. Recycle fluorescent tubes
Many recycling centres will accept fluorescent tubes for recycling, some stores even offer drop-off programs for free. Before doing so, speak with your local recycling centre and see if they offer options to recycle them, then be sure the tubes are intact when you bring them for recycling. If they are broken, they will likely need to be treated as hazardous waste.
3. Use special containers for disposal
From the guidance of gov.uk, it’s confirmed that you must store fluorescent tubes waste separately for other lightbulbs, so please ensure that your site places them in a container designed to hold hazardous materials. This prevents them from breaking and releasing mercury vapours into the environment. Reconomy’s hazardous waste management stations are the perfect option for handling this harmful waste – sites can simply order a station, fill a container with the tubes and book collection for Reconomy handle disposal in the most environmentally-friendly and compliant way.
How to handle broken fluorescent tubes
Accidents happen on sites, and a fluorescent tube may break. If this happens, don’t panic, simply follow these steps to safely clean up the mess and limit the risk involved:
1. Ventilate the area
If a tube breaks, you must open windows and doors immediately to allow fresh air to circulate and reduce mercury vapor concentration spreading across your workplace. Try to avoid your workforce staying in the area for too long and leave the room/area for at least 30 minutes before returning.
2. Wear protective gear
Ensure that all members of your workforce are wearing gloves and a mask if attempting to clean up broken fluorescent tubes. This will protect from direct contact with mercury and any also sharp pieces of glass.
3. Collect the broken pieces
Use pieces of stiff cardboard to carefully gather the larger pieces of the broken glass. Sticky tape can be used to pick up smaller fragments to protect from the sharpness. Make sure all pieces are collected before moving on to the next step.
4. Dispose of the broken tube
Place the broken tube and collected pieces in a sealed plastic bag. Label it as hazardous waste and bring it to a designated disposal facility, or arrange for a waste management company, like Reconomy, to assist.
Final thoughts…
Fluorescent tube disposal is not only imperative for protecting our environment but also for maintaining personal safety. Always check local regulations (such as guidance from gov.uk), opt for recycling when possible, and handle broken tubes with the upmostcare. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your business’s hazardous waste management is not only best-in-class, but reduces the risk of mercury pollution.