Can you recycle fluorescent tubes?
🏭 Recycling centre
Recycling centre lamp/tube container — mercury content, never any bin
Strip-light fluorescent tubes contain mercury and are classed as hazardous waste — never in household bins. All household waste recycling centres accept them in a dedicated tube container; carry them carefully (they shatter easily) ideally in the new tube's packaging. Electrical wholesalers also take them back.
Tips
- Transport tubes in the new tube's sleeve
- If one smashes, ventilate, sweep, seal in a bag and take to the tip
Which bin does it go in?
Recycling centre lamp/tube container — mercury content, never any bin
🏭 Find the nearest suitable location
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Background: Batteries, vapes & electricals: the fire-risk items.
Also searched as: strip lights, tube lights.
✓ Checked against current UK guidance: 14 Jul 2026. Spot an error or an out-of-date rule?