Recycling with Bay Lighting

When it comes to CFLs, fluorescent bulbs, and any other bulbs containing mercury, recycling is crucial for numerous reasons. Not only is mercury toxic to the environment, but it also poses significant risks to human health. Even though light bulbs contain only a small amount of mercury, this highly toxic substance can lead to mercury poisoning, making it imperative to avoid any potential risks. Mercury exposure can have hazardous consequences for both humans and animals, as it can easily spread through water and air cycles. Discarding bulbs in the regular garbage is not only unsafe but can also contaminate groundwater in landfills, affecting drinking water supplies. Additionally, fluorescent bulbs contain phosphor, another toxic material that requires special handling. Therefore, it is essential for everyone to play their part in ensuring the safe and proper disposal of mercury-containing light bulbs. At Bay Lighting, we make it effortless with our Light Bulb Recycling Program.

The Value of Mercury Recycling

Mercury is a precious metal with limited availability. Even the trace amounts found in CFLs and other bulbs are considered valuable. Mercury possesses various useful properties, including its ability to expand in response to pressure and temperature, conduct electricity, and form alloys with other metals. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) encourages people to choose products that do not contain mercury whenever possible.

Compliance with EPA Regulations

When it comes to bulb recycling, it is important to work with a company that complies with EPA regulations. The United States Environmental Protection Agency recommends following their ten-step program to ensure safe disposal of bulbs without posing any risks to the environment or human health. At Bay Lighting, our recycling program adheres to EPA guidelines, providing a safe and hassle-free solution for disposing of CFLs and fluorescent bulbs after replacement or when upgrading to LEDs.

Benefits of Recycling with Bay Lighting

Recycling with Bay Lighting offers a convenient and hassle-free way to contribute to environmental preservation and protect against mercury exposure. The benefits of our recycling program include:

• Lamp, ballast, and battery recycling
• Simple cost of $2.29 per pound
• Transparent pricing with no hidden pickup fees or fuel surcharges
• Frequent pickups to maximize storage space
• Combined lamp delivery and recycling pickup for time and resource efficiency
• A certificate of recycling compliance for customers

Our Recycling Process

1. Removing existing lights: When removing burnt-out CFLs, exercise caution by unplugging the lamp or turning off the fuse box, depending on the fixture. Designate a recycling space at your facility, collect the old lamps in separate containers to avoid breakage, seal the boxes, and schedule a pickup. Note that we do not accept broken lamps.

2. Installing new lights: Bay Lighting offers a diverse selection of lamps and light fixtures that can save you money in the long run through energy savings. We consider the specific needs of your space and develop a lighting scheme to help you achieve your goals.

3. Recycling old lights: We recommend keeping the original boxes to store your recyclables. If needed, we also sell specialty boxes for each item.

Items We Recycle

• LED, fluorescent, neon, CFLs, and high-density discharge (HID) lamps
• Ballasts
• Batteries larger than size
• Detectors **

*For the specialized process of handling broken mercury-containing bulbs, please consult our representatives, as it differs from our traditional recycling program.

Safety Measures for Broken Bulbs

In the unfortunate event of breaking a mercury-containing bulb, it’s important to follow the recommended steps by the National Capital Poison Center:

• Open windows, leave the room without touching the shattered bulb, and close the door.
• Keep all people and pets out of the room for at least 15 minutes.
• Turn off the heat/air conditioning to prevent air circulation.
• Safely scoop up the pieces with paper or cardboard, avoiding the use of a vacuum or broom.
• Place the pieces in a sealed, clear plastic bag.
• Discard any fabric that comes into contact with broken glass, and do not launder it.

In Maryland, it is illegal to dispose of broken CFLs and mercury-containing bulbs in household garbage. Please check with your county for local regulations and available drop-off locations.

Choose Bay Lighting for Your Light Bulb Recycling Needs

At Bay Lighting, we are dedicated to providing reliable and compliant light bulb recycling services. Our program is designed to ensure the safe disposal of CFLs, fluorescent bulbs, and other mercury-containing lamps. By choosing our services, you are not only protecting the environment but also safeguarding human health from the dangers of mercury exposure. Trust Bay Lighting to be your partner in responsible and efficient light bulb recycling. Contact us today to learn more about our light bulb recycling services in Maryland and beyond.