LED, energy-saving lamp and Co.
Every light source has had its day – and is disposed of. But if you throw your broken lamp in the wrong bin, you quickly risk a fine of up to 1,000 euros. These regulations apply in the federal states.
Different lamps have to be disposed of in different ways. But you can at LED, Energy-saving lamps and the like quickly lose track of which lamp should be recycled where. Here you can read where you can dispose of or hand in broken lamps.
Lightbulb
Although the incandescent lamp was banned by the European Union (EU) in 2009, many consumers are still hoarding some remaining stocks. At the time, these were bought in advance. In terms of disposal, everything has remained the same to this day. The light bulb can still be disposed of with normal residual waste because it is only made of metal and glass.
On the other hand, the waste glass container is forbidden for them. Because packaging glass has a different melting point than the glass of light bulbs and others Lamps. “Illuminants incorrectly thrown into the glass container lead to considerable problems with the Recycling the glass packaging, “warns the German environmental aid (DUH).
Halogen lamp
The special shape of the light bulb, the glass bulb of which is filled with a protective gas (halogen), can be disposed of with household waste. Like the light bulb, the halogen bulb is made of metal and glass – and is a discontinued model. Because since September 2018, these lamps can no longer be sold in the EU.
LED Lamp
The so-called light-emitting diodes (LED) do not belong in household waste. The reason: They contain valuable metals that can be recycled and reused.
LED lamps that generate light using diodes can be loud Consumer advice center in all shops that sell lamps. There are also municipal collection points for electronic waste that LEDs accept.
Energy saving lamp
It is also known as a compact fluorescent lamp. Like the LED lamp, it must not be disposed of with household waste. Discarded energy-saving lamps either at the recycling center or at an appropriate collection point. Collecting bins can be found in DIY stores and supermarkets, but also in drug stores and electronics stores.
Our tip
You can quickly and easily find out where the closest return option is Collection point search find out.
Energy-saving lamp: Incorrect disposal can result in a fine. (Source: lightcycle.de)
Energy-saving lamps should not be thrown into normal household waste because they contain small amounts of mercury – but also copper, aluminum and tin. When properly disposed of, these materials can be recovered and reused.
Energy-saving lamp breaks: how do you dispose of it?
Mercury is poisonous. Caution is therefore advised if an energy-saving lamp breaks. The DUH advises ventilating the room well. Then you collect the broken pieces. You should not use a hand brush, broom or vacuum cleaner for this. They would stir up the toxic fumes.
You can sweep up coarse shards with a piece of cardboard or sturdy paper. Fine splinters can be picked up with a damp paper towel. Tape is used for this on carpet. Gloves should be worn to avoid contact with the splinters. The broken pieces are then packed as airtight as possible to a recycling center.
Fines in the 16 federal states
Anyone who carelessly throws their energy-saving lamp into the household rubbish or disposed of it illegally – regardless of whether it is undamaged or broken – must expect a fine. The amount is different in each federal state:
| state | Fine (a lamp) | Fine (multiple lamps) |
|---|---|---|
| Baden-Württemberg | 50–200 Euro | 100–300 Euro |
| Bayern | 80–240 Euro | 160–500 Euro |
| Berlin | no information | no information |
| Brandenburg | 37,50–150 Euro | 100–300 Euro |
| Bremen | 100–400 Euro | 100–500 Euro |
| Hamburg | 75–250 Euro | 150–1.000 Euro |
| Hessen | 50–150 Euro | 100–300 Euro |
| Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania | 10–20 Euro | 20–500 Euro |
| Lower Saxony | 50–150 Euro | 100–500 Euro |
| North Rhine-Westphalia | 50–150 Euro | 100–300 Euro |
| Rhineland-Palatinate | 50,13–204,52 Euro | 102,26–409,03 Euro |
| Saarland | 50–200 Euro | 100–300 Euro |
| Saxony | 50–200 Euro | 100–300 Euro |
| Saxony-Anhalt | no information | no information |
| Schleswig-Holstein | 50–150 Euro | 100–300 Euro |
| Thuringia | 50–150 Euro | 100–300 Euro |
Source: Catalog of fines (as of July 14, 2020)
Fluorescent tube
It is also known under the name fluorescent lamp or neon tube. Like the energy-saving lamp, the fluorescent tube does not belong in the household waste or in the waste glass container, because it also contains small amounts of mercury.
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