How to Recycle OTT Light Bulbs

Ottlites typically last about 10,000 hours, so you won't have to recycle them that often.

Ottlite is a company that produces what it calls "High Definition" lighting, meant to mimic natural light conditions. Ottlite sells a number of light bulbs, including compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) for lamps and home light fixtures and longer tubes for offices and work areas. While the energy-efficient bulbs can save you money, the mercury contained in them makes it necessary to dispose of them at a recycling center and not in a landfill. Almost all parts of a fluorescent bulb can be recycled.

Instructions

1. Find a recycling collection center near you that collects fluorescent bulbs and tubes. Because of the dangerous materials found inside the bulbs, you can't leave them on the curb with the rest of your recycling. Most cities or counties in the United States maintain some type of recycling collection facility, so check your city or county website to get their contact information, and then call and ask whether they accept bulbs.

   You can also use Earth911's nationwide database to find collection centers near you. When you track down a collection center nearby, call them to make sure they accept CFL bulbs.

2. Package your bulbs in a box or container for transport, making sure that the bulbs will not break on the way to the collection center. You don't want the bulbs to break while you are in your car, allowing the dangerous mercury in the bulbs to be dispersed into the air you're breathing.

3. Drop off your bulbs at a collection center that accepts CFL bulbs. Bring your identification and any other materials required by the collection center. To discourage commercial use of the centers, some municipal centers only allow you to drop off materials a few times a year, and they keep track of how many times you've come.

References

• Ottlite: Bulbs/Tubes
• Environmental Protection Agency: Mercury-Containing Light Bulb (Lamp) Basic Information
• Ottlite: FAQ

Resources

• Earth 911