Recycling your Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb
You cannot recycle your CFL light bulbs through your yellow kerbside wheelie bins in Christchurch, as they cannot be processed at the plant.
Interwaste is currently the only company in New Zealand that can recycle Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs. The mercury, glass and aluminium is sent to Australia for recycling.
What is a Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb?
A compact fluorescent lamp (CFL), also known as a compact fluorescent light or energy saving light (or less commonly as a compact fluorescent tube [CFT]), is a type of fluorescent lamp.
Many CFLs are designed to replace an incandescent lamp and can fit into most existing light fixtures formerly used for incandescents.
Compared to general service incandescent lamps giving the same amount of visible light, CFLs use less power and have a longer rated life, and can therefore save money on energy usage.
Why are compact fluorescent light bulbs better than normal light bulbs?
CFLs have the potential to reduce energy consumption and be a more efficient form of lighting.
How can I tell if my light bulb is a Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb?
It will say on the label.
Why Recycle Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs, rather than putting them in the red rubbish bin and to landfill?
Compact fluorescent light bulbs contain small amounts of mercury as a vapour inside the glass tubing. Mercury, even in small amounts, is bad for the environment and should be properly disposed of or recycled.