Mercury Lighting Recycling for Householders (eco-bulbs & fluorescent tubes)
A free mercury lighting recycling service is available in Hamilton for householders.
Energy saving lighting /compact fluorescent lamps & fluorescent tubes can be dropped off at two recycling locations in the city:
- The Refuse Transfer Station on Lincoln St
- The Environment Centre Hamilton at 25 Ward St, level 1.
Energy saving lighting contain a small amount of mercury which makes them operate much more efficiently than incandescent and halogen lamps. They have the greatest overall environmental life-cycle benefit despite containing mercury, but they need to be disposed of carefully so they do not let the mercury escape and pollute air and water.
Broken tubes should to go in the regular rubbish bin to minimise handling. As a precaution you should wear gloves when handling the broken lamp and open doors and windows to ventilate the room. Put the broken pieces in a plastic bag then wrap with paper to prevent cuts. Wipe the area with a damp paper towel to pick up any smaller shards of glass, powder or liquid. Dispose of the paper towels, gloves and any cloths used to clean the area by placing in a plastic bag with your household rubbish. Do not vacuum the site as this can disperse the particles.
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