Find safe disposal for fluorescent tubes near you

Find a nearby place for fluorescent tubes

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How to dispose of fluorescent tubes safely

Keep tubes whole and use a site container made for lamps. They contain a small amount of mercury and must stay out of glass banks.

Possible recycling routes

Recycling centres and tipsSpecialist recycling schemesElectrical recycling pointsSpecialist disposal servicesHousehold hazardous waste servicesHousehold waste recycling centresRetailer take-back points

Handle fluorescent tubes safely before disposal

• Remove the tube without breaking it
• Use the original sleeve or another rigid container
• Tell site staff about any breakage

What must stay out

Keep these items separate and check the site rules before you travel.

• Do not put tubes in bottle banks
• Do not crush tubes
• Commercial quantities need a business WEEE route

Types of site to check

These site types can list fluorescent tubes. Each provider sets its own limits and access rules.

• Recycling centres and tips

  Council recycling centres accept many types of household waste. Check the council rules for booking, permits, proof of address, vehicle access and charges before travel.

• Specialist recycling schemes

  Collection services for items that most household recycling bins cannot accept. Schemes can use shops, postal returns or limited public drop-off points.

• Electrical recycling points

  Drop-off points for electrical items with a plug, battery or cable. Accepted item sizes vary by site.

• Specialist disposal services

  Services for waste that needs controlled handling or a dedicated collection route. Check the official service before you move or transport the item.

• Household hazardous waste services

  Council sites and collection services for household materials that can harm people or the environment. You must check the local service before travel.

• Household waste recycling centres

  Council-run sites that accept many types of household recycling and waste. Local rules can cover booking, proof of address, vehicle permits and charges for some DIY waste.

• Retailer take-back points

  Shops and delivery services that take back selected products or packaging. Rules depend on the product, the retailer and whether you are buying a replacement.

Related item guides

• Electrical items

  Household products with a plug, battery, cable or crossed-out wheelie bin symbol.

• Lamps and light fittings

  Household table lamps, ceiling fittings, outdoor lights and other powered lighting equipment.

• Light bulbs

  Household LED, halogen, incandescent and compact fluorescent bulbs.

Browse all item guides

Questions about safe fluorescent tubes disposal

Where can I dispose of fluorescent tubes safely?

Enter your postcode in the local finder to search recycling centres and tips and specialist recycling schemes and electrical recycling points and specialist disposal services and household hazardous waste services and household waste recycling centres and retailer take-back points near you. Check the provider page before you travel because item lists and access rules can change.

How should I handle fluorescent tubes before disposal?

Keep tubes whole and use a site container made for lamps. They contain a small amount of mercury and must stay out of glass banks.