How to Recycle Projector Light Bulbs

Recycle your projector bulbs to be green, and you might save some green in the process.

Projector light bulbs are hazardous and should not be mixed with regular trash. The bulbs must be handled carefully so that they do not break and release harmful chemicals into the air. Projector bulbs have traditionally been a difficult material to recycle, however. The proper storing, shipping and recycling of projector lamps is an important task to help the environment. With a big push to go green, these once impossible to recycle bulbs can now be recycled both locally and nationally.

Things You'll Need

• Shipping materials

Instructions

1. Check with your local recycling facility to see if it will recycle the bulbs or if it can suggest an alternative local place to do so. If the facility will recycle your bulbs, ask for the the specific instructions on how to handle the bulbs properly and safely. Possible instructions might include drop off sites, the minimum or maximum bulbs allowed per drop, and proper wrapping materials.

2. Call your town municipality or community association to find out when the next Hazardous Waste Recycling Event will be. Depending on your municipality, there may be a small charge to recycle your bulbs and other items at an event like this.

3. Ask your office manager or employer if and how your place of work handles the recycling of projector light bulbs. Suggestions might include contacting the manufacturer of the bulbs or the manufacturer of your projector lamp directly.

4. Start a program at your school or work place to earn cash back by recycling your bulbs through Relampit (see Resources). Even if you don't want to set up a program, Relampit will still accept your bulbs for recycling. Other online companies offer bulb recycling services, and will send you the proper packaging and shipping materials (see Resources). You may have to meet a minimum bulb requirement number before shipping, as most comparable companies recycle bulbs in bulk. Some companies will send you proof of proper recycling.

5. Contact your local office supply store to see if it offers recycling services.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not remove a projector bulb if it is hot or if the projector is still plugged into a power source.

• Mark your package as breakable for extra protection.

References

• EPA: Mercury-Containing Light Bulb (Lamp) Recycling
• Relampit: Bulb Recycling for Education and Government Facilities
• Lamprecycle: Bulb Recycling
• Bulbs: Bulb Recycling

Resources

• MD Recycles: Flourescent Lamps
• Relampit: Bulb Recycling for Education and Government Facilities
• Lamprecycle: Bulb Recycling