Forum Topic

Disposal of Low Energy Light Bulbs

Now that my Philips Ambiance Ecotone has expired after countless hours of really bad light where does one dispose of it?

Marlene Plimley ● 5814d10 Comments

They contain small amounts of mercury, but aren't particularly hazardous.According to DEFRA, "Those who sell items such as energy efficient bulbs must provide information to the public about where they can take waste bulbs". Best of luck with that.

Ian M Green ● 5814d

I think I got rid of one at the Stirling Road recycling centre off Bollo Lane.

Lorna Dodd ● 5814d

I won't be using these until the world runs out of decent bulbs.

Becky Bell ● 5814d

The low energy have improved,  I got a couple from John Lewis explaining I wanted ones that gave me the equivalent of 100 watt,  yes madam and I was given 2.  Put them in at home and nearly blinded myself,  returned them as they were too bright!!

Jen Morty ● 5814d

It's not just the dimness, but the quality of light. I like low lighting and don't use 100w. Many of these are mini fluorescents, horrid light and nasty for migraineurs.

Becky Bell ● 5813d

I have 60w in my side lamps and they are ok,  much better than the depresing poor quality light given off the earlier low energy lights.  I suffer from migraines as well and not noticed them affecting me,  they are Phillips in a blue box seem to recall.  There is such a baffling range now it's a bit hit and miss though!

Jen Morty ● 5813d

There is a flourescent lamp and tube recycling facility in the Brent recycling facility off Abbey Road, Park Royal, between the North Circular Road and the canal. No broken glass in the bin.

Chris Bell ● 5813d

They are all mini-fluorescents, Becky, but ought to be less irritating than the old strip lights, except when they get to the end of their life.If you would like to move to energy-efficient lighting, keep an eye open for LED lamps. Although they are horrendously expensive now, the price is coming down. Eventually, as the EU over the next 5-10 years phases out the incandescent lamps that you prefer, you won't have a choice, unless you want to smuggle them in.

Ian M Green ● 5813d

Yes, I like LED lamps, they've been in trade catalogues for years. By the time tungsten are completely unavailable there should be something better than the present low-energy bulbs anyway. Until then I have a stash.

Becky Bell ● 5813d

Thank you for all the feed back everyone. It's strange but I have had this bulb for so long - well over 3 years and  it's like getting rid of an old friend. It did supply thousands of hours of light albeit bad but it was there glowing away in the lamp  when I had to spend weeks and months away and a light was always kept on. It is also so big, well made and sturdy and quite nice to look at! Anyway I shall try the dump at Stirling Road.

Marlene Plimley ● 5812d