Light Bulbs and Ballasts

CAUTION:  Fluorescent bulbs/tubes including compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) contain the toxic metal mercury.  Broken fluorescent bulbs including CFLs are a health hazard and should be cleaned up in a specific manner.  For instructions to clean up broken fluorescent bulbs click here to visit the US Environmental Protection Agency’s website.  In addition, fluorescent light ballasts manufactured before 1980 may contain the toxic materials polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).  Click here for options to manage household hazardous waste in York County. 

REUSE:  Light bulbs and ballasts in good usable condition may be able to be donated or resold.  An internet search such as “donate light bulbs York PA” will show organizations that accept these items for donation, or click here to view a list of York County donation/reuse outlets.  Reusable items can also be resold at garage sales, consignment stores and on internet sale platforms.

RECYCLE:  Below is a list of York County businesses that accept fluorescent light bulbs/tubes, other types of gas light bulbs and PCB ballasts for recycling.  Before delivering any materials to the listed businesses, call to make sure they are still accepting these materials and ask if there are any associated fees.  

TRASH:  Incandescent (filament type) and light emitting diode (LED) light bulbs contain no hazardous materials and should be disposed in the regular trash.  Broken fluorescent bulbs should be bagged tightly and disposed in the regular trash.