Energy Saving Lightbulbs

The benefits of switching to energy saving lightbulbs are clear, but in our efforts to reduce our impact on the environment we must also consider how best to dispose of them safely at the end of their lives.

Due to their low mercury content, energy saving lightbulbs are regulated by the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE Directive).  The WEEE directive aims to encourage people to recycle energy saving lightbulbs instead of sending them to landfill which could result in the contamination of soil and water supplies.  It's also important not to try to recycle them in glass banks as the mercury can't be recovered.

Under the WEEE directive manufacturers, importers and retailers must finance the cost of recycling and recovering energy saving lightbulbs.  Most have opted to fund Designated Collection Facilities at local authority recycling centres.

To find your local energy saving lightbulb recycling point please visit the Recolight website.

You may also be interested in reading our article What Should I Do If I Smash An Energy Saving Lightbulb?