Lamp recycling: How to properly dispose of old and defective lamps

At some point the time for even the best lamp runs out. The average lifespan of the lamps is usually around 50,000 operating hours. Some light bulbs or LEDs last much longer, others retire earlier. The correct disposal of the lamps and sometimes the entire lamp, for example if it has gone out of fashion, is now required. 

Lamps consist of different components. The lamp, the housing and the lampshade do not simply belong in the household waste because, depending on the type, some lamps can contain substances that are harmful to the environment, such as mercury. There are also appropriate options for ecological and sustainable disposal of the electrical system, as many components of a lamp can also be recycled.

BUYnBLUE When selling its lamp models, we value environmentally conscious aspects and comprehensive advice for the benefit of customers and nature. In this article, you will learn how to safely dispose of different types of bulbs, comply with regulations, and promote environmentally friendly practices.

Broken lamp, now what?

Before you banish a broken lamp from your home forever, you have several options: When it's time to say goodbye to the old lamp forever, use this little guide on how to do it safely and responsibly, regardless of the lamp model: 

• Check the lamp thoroughly! Check whether the lamp really can no longer be repaired. A dirty lampshade can usually be washed without any problems and a defective light bulb can simply be replaced. If the wiring is damaged or the electrical system is damaged, you should actually dispose of the lamp properly.
• Pay attention to your safety! If possible, wear gloves to avoid cutting yourself on broken glass and sharp edges. Caution is also advised with fluorescent tubes, as the component mercury belongs in hazardous waste.
• Be careful when dismantling the lamp! First, you should remove the light bulb and lampshade before separating all metals and plastics. 
• Recycle the different materials! Many lamps are made from recyclable elements. Pack glass parts carefully to avoid breakage.
• Dispose of the rest properly! Non-recyclable materials should be disposed of as hazardous waste according to local waste disposal guidelines.

Many parts of a lamp come from variable production and are made of different materials. From the lampshade to the switch, there are numerous materials in a lamp such as a chic Chandelier processed. Metal parts of the housing and the suspension are disposed of in a landfill as scrap metal, cables belong in the electronic waste, glass and broken individual parts should be carefully wrapped, labeled and placed in the broken glass.

Not all lamps belong in household waste

Disposing of ordinary light bulbs is actually easy. Light bulbs, which are still the most commonly used light source, can be safely thrown away with household waste as they do not contain harmful chemicals and materials.

Before you dispose of a light bulb, always make sure that the lamp is unplugged and that the light bulb has cooled down. Otherwise there is a risk of painful burns and dangerous electrical accidents. In some places and communities there are special bins for light bulbs, batteries and light sources. Find out whether the light bulb really belongs in the household waste.

Light bulbs are mainly made of delicate glass. If you cannot recycle the lamp and there is no hazardous waste in your area, wrap the bulb well and put it in the trash can. 

Mercury, the hidden danger

Because fluorescent lamps are very energy efficient and long-lasting, they are often used in residential and commercial spaces. If the lamp is defective, you must under no circumstances dispose of it carelessly with household waste because fluorescent tubes and lamps contain small amounts of mercury.

Just like with normal light bulbs, you must first make sure that the lamp is definitely switched off and allow it to cool down. In many areas there are special collection points and special guidelines for the disposal of fluorescent lamps to protect the environment. Before carefully packing the lamp, if possible, separate all non-recyclable parts from the fluorescent lamp and take them to the appropriate collection point.

If you drop the lamp and break it, open windows and doors immediately to minimize the mercury in the air. Collect the individual parts in a lockable container and dispose of them properly. The area of ​​the fracture should then be thoroughly cleaned.

The same procedure recommends BUYnBLUE for the disposal of compact fluorescent lamps. If the phosphors are still intact but you no longer find the design of the lamp appealing or want to change your interior style, there may still be a happy buyer for your lamp. The longevity and many timeless designs are very popular. 

Dispose of mercury-free lamps

Halogen lamps do not contain mercury, but due to their nature they must be recycled separately. Unplug the lamp from the power plug and wait until it has cooled down properly. A halogen lamp can get very hot and is very fragile. Therefore, be careful to avoid burns and injuries.

Pay attention to local guidelines for environmentally friendly and safe disposal. The halogen glass cannot be recycled and in some places it must be well wrapped and disposed of with household waste. The original box or a good padding provides the correct packaging in the trash. 

Recycle LED lamps

With LED lamps save energy and electricity costs. The low consumption and long service life make LEDs increasingly popular and in many households they are already replacing almost every known type of lamp.

Many Floor lamps and Table lamps provide individual light and are often equipped with practical dimmers. With LEDs you can choose creative lighting and light levels and create a great ambience in your home. There are different variants of LED lamps. The advantage of these lamps is that almost every lamp is recyclable because LEDs have modern technology.

LED lamps that are still intact can be sold or given away online via auction platforms and classifieds markets. In many regions there are recycling centers that accept LED lamps and send them for further processing. If a lamp is defective or no longer works, handle the lamp with care in order not to injure yourself and proceed as with the previously mentioned lamps. Broken and destroyed lamps that contain mercury can be dangerous. Always pay attention to your safety and that of those around you and avoid harmful consequences for nature. 

Environmentally conscious, thanks to recycling lamps

Lamps are long-lasting and are usually thrown away when you move and resettle. Children who develop different tastes as they grow older want a lamp that matches the room and the good old one Floor lamps must make room for a modern designer lamp. But you don't always have to throw a lamp away straight away.

Many lamps are constructed in such a way that, for example, the lampshade can be replaced without any problems and the lamp can shine with a new shine. If your old lamp doesn't fit your new furnishing style at all, your neighbor or a friend might be happy about it, or the lamp might find a new place to shine in your garden or on the terrace.

In many winter gardens, lamps with a retro look provide a pleasant light and create a cozy atmosphere. Some lamps score with a timeless design and are a real eye-catcher at various events. Outdoor parties and weddings can be wonderfully illuminated with different lighting concepts and older lamps get a special appearance.

For theme parties and birthdays held in the barn, on your own property or in the forest, lamps are a wonderful addition to the decoration. Disused lamps also look fantastic in your garden between your flowers and cleverly showcase the plants. LED lamps are very sustainable and can easily be integrated into a new lamp housing if desired.

Be creative and let your imagination run wild. Nature thanks you and you don't have to part with your favorite lamp straight away. 

Professionals with innovative ideas dispose of old lamps

If you want to be sure that you dispose of your old lamp correctly, see Lightcycle professional contacts and a very informative platform that specializes in this. Germany's leading take-back system for all types of lighting offers a well-founded overview of all recycling centers and collection points in your area. Here you will find valuable tips for the proper disposal of your lamp, information on legal guidelines and ideas and suggestions for innovative lighting concepts and the latest technologies.

A huge network of providers, consumers and specialists in the field of lamps and light ensures important environmental protection and the correct use of various light sources. If each of us pays attention to using our resources carefully and responsibly, lamps and great lighting concepts become even more fun and not at the expense of nature.

We are the pioneers of modern lamp arrangements and want to work sustainably when dealing with our customers and the environment. That's why we keep up with the times and offer advanced, high-quality lamps in our range that will give you long-lasting enjoyment and are absolutely trendy. Whether trendy pendant lights, modern floor lamps, trendy table lamps or lamps with the modern Tuya Smart System - no wishes remain unfulfilled in our online lamp shop.