Disposal of light bulbs
This page provides more information on how to safely dispose of broken and damaged light bulbs.
Incandescent
Incandescent bulbs don't contain harmful substances. In case of breakage or damage, sweep up the broken glass or glass remains carefully and dispose of them in the rubbish bin.
Compact fluorescent lamp
Compact fluorescent lamps contain small amounts of mercury. Collect the fragments carefully with a moistened paper towel, scooping up the pieces with a sheet of stiff paper. Do not use a vacuum, as this would distribute more particles around the room. Avoid contact with skin and ventilate the room for 20–30 minutes. Wrap the pieces and disposable cleaning materials in an airtight container, e.g. in a glass jar, and discard them at your local recycling centre.
Halogen
Halogen lamps do not contain harmful substances. In case of breakage or damage, sweep up the broken glass or glass remains carefully and dispose of them in the rubbish bin.
Metal halide
Metal halide lamps contain small amounts of mercury. Collect the fragments carefully with a moistened paper towel, scooping up the pieces with a sheet of stiff paper. Do not use a vacuum, as this would distribute more particles around the room. Avoid contact with skin and ventilate the room for 20–30 minutes. Wrap the pieces and disposable cleaning materials in an airtight container, e.g. in a glass jar, and discard them at your local recycling centre.
LED or light-emitting diode
LEDs are characterised by high fracture resistance and a long life duration. If a lamp does break, you can sweep up the remains carefully and dispose of them with household waste.
Fluorescent tube
Fluorescent tube lamps contain small amounts of mercury. Collect the fragments carefully with a moistened paper towel, scooping up the pieces with a sheet of stiff paper. Do not use a vacuum, as this would distribute more particles around the room. Avoid contact with skin and ventilate the room for 20–30 minutes. Wrap the pieces and disposable cleaning materials in an airtight container, e.g. in a glass jar, and discard them at your local recycling centre.
Neon
Neon lamps contain small amounts of mercury. Collect the fragments carefully with a moistened paper towel, scooping up the pieces with a sheet of stiff paper. Do not use a vacuum, as this would distribute more particles around the room. Avoid contact with skin and ventilate the room for 20–30 minutes. Wrap the pieces and disposable cleaning materials in an airtight container, e.g. in a glass jar, and discard them at your local recycling centre.
