ADVICE

Dispose of light sources correctly

Many light sources contain valuable resources that can be reused through proper recycling. In addition, some old light sources, such as energy-saving lamps, contain small amounts of harmful substances that can jeopardise health and the environment. For this reason, most lamps and lights must not be disposed of with normal household waste, but must be taken to a hazardous waste collection centre. A return to the retailer is also possible.

Quick-Check: Disposal of light sources

These light sources may be disposed of in household waste

Traditional light bulbs
Halogen bulbs

These light sources must NOT be disposed of with household waste

Compact fluorescent lamps with or without ballast (energy-saving lamps)
Fluorescent lamps (fluorescent tubes)
Discharge lamps (including metal vapour lamps)
LED bulbs

Old bulb broken? Buy replacement bulbs now!

We recommend converting to LED at the latest when changing the light source. LED lighting technology has a longer service life, saves significant amounts of energy and offers the option of customising the light precisely to personal taste and the area of use.

E27 LED lamps

E14 LED lamps

GU10 LED lamps

G9 LED lamps

LED filament lamps

Smart LED lamps

LED tubes

All LED lamps

Dispose of lamps and lights correctly

Conventional light bulbs

Incandescent lamps may be disposed of in household waste, but not in the glass container, as the metal filament is difficult to separate from the glass.

Halogen bulbs

Just like incandescent lamps - to which they are closely related - halogen lamps belong in household waste and not in the glass container.

Fluorescent tubes

Fluorescent lamps - often referred to colloquially as neon tubes - contain mercury and must be disposed of at a hazardous waste collection centre.

Compact fluorescent lamps

Due to their mercury content, undamaged energy-saving lamps must be taken to a hazardous waste collection point or recycling centre. The procedure for damaged energy-saving light bulbs is explained below.

Lights in general

Lights, e.g. pendant, ceiling, table or floor lamps, are considered waste electrical equipment and must therefore be handed in at a collection point. This also applies to decorative luminaires with permanently installed LEDs, such as LED panels or LED strips.

LED bulbs

LED lamps must also be handed in at a collection point. As old electrical appliances, they must not be disposed of with normal household waste. However, there are no harmful substances in LED lamps.

What do I do with broken or cracked energy-saving light bulbs?

Energy-saving lamps do not normally break if used carefully. Once their service life is exceeded, they simply fail. **However, if an energy-saving lamp breaks, mercury, which is harmful to health, escapes.

Keep calm and follow these step-by-step instructions to dispose of the broken energy-saving light bulb quickly, easily and safely:

Switch off the heating and air conditioning
Ventilate the room for at least 15 minutes
Do not stay in the room during this time
Put on rubber gloves
Sweep fragments together with a stiff cardboard
Place the leftovers in an airtight container (e.g. a preserving jar)
Wipe smooth floors with a damp cloth
Also place the cleaning cloth in an airtight container
Absorb dust and splinters on carpets, blankets and upholstery with adhesive tape
Place the adhesive tape together with the dust and splinters in an airtight container
The containers do not belong in the household waste, but are handed in at a hazardous waste collection point
Cleaning utensils and rubber gloves may be disposed of with household waste