When it comes to commercial waste recycling, Gaskells recycle items that can sometimes end up in landfill, including batteries and light bulbs.
How to dispose of light bulbs
Lightbulb recycling can be tricky. Given the different types you can buy on the shop floor, let’s break the types down for you:
- Incandescent light bulbs (standard) – These types remain a popular choice; however, most recycling centres won’t accept them. So the general advice is to dispose of them in your regular household waste as they don’t contain any toxic materials. For purely practical reasons, you may want to put the used light bulb into their original packaging before you pop them in your bin.
- Halogen light bulbs – ‘Can you recycle halogen light bulbs’ is a common question. The short answer is no. You might buy a halogen bulb thinking they’re better for the environment than regular light bulbs when in reality, they’re just the same. You can put these in your regular household waste bins too.
- Energy-saving light bulbs (or Compact Fluorescent Lamps) -These bulbs contain small amounts of Mercury. However, they also have parts that can be easily recycled, so it’s probably best to recycle them at your local recycling point.
- LED bulbs – While the materials used to make these can be recycled, they don’t use any toxic materials like Energy-saving bulbs. Your local recycling point may recycle these, so it’s always good to check; however, they can be disposed of in the same way as incandescent or halogen bulbs.
How to dispose of fluorescent tubes
Fluorescent lighting falls into our Waste Electric, and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) category and Gaskells can recycle these for you as a licensed company.
Fact: Did you know that one commercial fluorescent tube contains enough mercury to contaminate 30,000 litres of water!
What types of batteries can be recycled?
Well, most household batteries can be recycled, including the batteries from the following:
- Laptop
- Watch
- Mobile phone
- Power tools
If you’re replacing your car battery, most suppliers will take your old one and recycle it for you. However, your local recycling centre will probably recycle these should you be left with it!
Where Gaskells fit in
Whether it’s batteries or light bulbs that you want to recycle, you can count on Gaskells. Why not complete our enquiry form or call us on 0345 305 2611. Your recycling is our business.