Are light bulbs, fluorescent tubes, and compact fluorescent light bulbs recyclable?
While all 50 states now require the proper disposal of fluorescent lamps, along with metal halide, high pressure sodium, low pressure sodium, and mercury lamps, not all 50 states consider them as hazardous waste.
In California for instance, intact fluorescent tubes are considered as Universal Waste, while BROKEN tubes are considered hazardous waste, and must be handled a such. Universal Waste tubes must still be handled, hauled and recycled properly by an appropriate recycling company, but the actual handling guidelines are much less stringent.
It would be wise to check your own state guidelines to confirm what is required before disposing of any of the above-mentioned lamps.
