4 minute read
The Phase-Out of Fluorescent Lamps
The disposal of fluorescent lamps requires careful handling to prevent mercury from leaching into the environment, where it can contaminate soil and water – posing health risks to wildlife and humans alike.
By Colleen Kingsbury - Recycling Account Manager, EverLights
As we learn more about the environmental impacts of the products we use, sustainability-conscious consumers (and therefore industries) shift focus to more eco-friendly alternatives. In the lighting world, this once meant that fluorescent lamps were the preferred product over energy-intensive incandescent lights. Fast forward to today, the introduction of LEDs now means that fluorescent lamps are being phased out in favor of an even more environmentally sustainable lighting option.
The move away from fluorescent lighting is part of a broader effort to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact, reflecting a global shift towards tracking and reducing our collective carbon footprint. Now, as more US states implement fluorescent bans and regulations, and with federal regulations on the horizon, the shift to LED lighting is accelerating.
Fluorescent lamps' energy efficiency, while superior to incandescent bulbs, pales in comparison to newer technologies like LEDs. Fluorescent lamps typically convert only about 20-30% of the electrical energy they consume into visible light, with the rest being lost as heat. In contrast, LEDs can convert up to 90% of the energy they consume into light. Additionally, fluorescent lamps have a shorter lifespan compared to LEDs, often requiring more frequent replacements, which contributes to increased waste and higher maintenance costs over time.
However, the problem with fluorescents goes even further than simply being a lower performing option.
Fluorescent lamps contain mercury, a toxic substance that poses significant disposal challenges. Mercury exposure can lead to serious health problems, including neurological and developmental damage, particularly in young children and fetuses. The disposal of fluorescent lamps requires careful handling to prevent mercury from leaching into the environment, where it can contaminate soil and water – posing health risks to wildlife and humans alike.
The environmental footprint of manufacturing and disposing of fluorescent lamps only further intensifies their drawbacks. The production process involves harmful chemicals and energy-intensive procedures, while the end-of-life disposal poses challenges due to the hazardous materials involved. As a result, the overall lifecycle impact of fluorescent lamps is considerably higher than that of LEDs, making the latter a more sustainable choice for the future.
LEDs can last up to 25 times longer than traditional lighting options, reducing the frequency of replacements and associated costs. Though they may be initially more expensive, LEDs save money in the long run through lower energy bills and reduced replacement costs. This makes them a safer and more sustainable option for both residential and commercial use.
In response to the push for more sustainable practices, several US states have introduced regulations to phase out fluorescent lamps. These regulations are part of broader legislative efforts to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Vermont was the first state to introduce a ban of fluorescent lamps. This state has enacted laws that prohibit the sale of most mercury-containing fluorescent lamps. This move aligns with the state's aggressive stance on reducing hazardous waste and promoting energy efficiency.
California, a frontrunner in environmental regulation, has implemented a ban on the sale of screw and bayonet base compact fluorescent lamps. On January 1, 2025, linear fluorescents will join the list of banned lamp types. The state’s Title 20 appliance efficiency regulations now mandate the use of more energy-efficient lighting alternatives.
To date, 12 states and Washington D.C. have imposed or are set to impose fluorescent bans in some capacity.
The transition away from fluorescent lamps is a critical step towards a more sustainable future. Regardless of state or federal mandates, many consumers from the individual to corporate level are choosing to proactively make the switch to LED lighting due to the products’ longevity, environmental impact, and overall cost savings.
As you begin implementing LED lighting into your projects, it is important to ensure that spent fluorescent lamps are recycled or disposed of properly. Consider partnering with an industry leader like EverLights, whose lighting experts and recycling team can help you meet your recycling and sustainability requirements. Embracing sustainable lighting solutions is not just an environmental imperative but also an economic one, promising long-term savings and a healthier planet.
