Fluorescent light bulbs
Currently many fluorescent lights end up in landfill and are the most significant source of mercury contamination of all the waste we produce. Fluorescent light bulb recycling means the mercury can be recovered and is commonly reused in the dental industry as amalgam for fillings. The glass, phosphor and aluminium contained in the lamps can also be effectively recovered for reuse, thus saving valuable resources.
Fluorescents are recycled using crush and separation technology. Mercury is distilled from the separated powders and then reused in the manufacture of dental amalgams. Aluminium from the tube ends is separated and recycled into cast products such as metal ingots. Phosphor powder is used in the manufacture of fertiliser for the agriculture industry. Glass is separated and recycled into glass wool used for home insulation. Any materials not recycled are transported to landfill for safe disposal. The end result is that hazardous, discarded products are transformed into clean, environmentally sound by-products.
