Can LED lamps be recycled?


LEDs do not belong in the household waste, but must be recycled. They contain electronic components that are very valuable and should be recycled. These include rare earth and electronic components such as diodes and semiconductors.

Key facts at a glance:


·        Low energy consumption and long life: LEDs are an environmentally friendly alternative
·        They are recyclable and do not belong in the household waste
·        Valuable electronic components can thus be recycled
·        Place your waste lamps at municipal collection points (eg pollutant mobile and recycling depots) or use return points from sales outlets and manufacturers
·        Thanks to the disposal fee, the return of your bulbs is guaranteed free of charge

What makes LEDs environmentally friendly?

Due to their low energy consumption, LEDs are an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly lighting variant. They are significantly more efficient than, for example, incandescent or energy-saving lamps. In addition, they have a longer life. As a result, the luminous bodies are not replaced and disposed of as often.
If you have already switched to LED lighting, you are making your contribution to improving the ecological footprint. If not: It is never too late to do something good for the environment. Due to the increasing demand, it is only a matter of time until the used light sources are further processed.

Why do LED lamps need to be recycled?

Usually, a crossed-out garbage can is printed on the LED bulbs. This pictogram means that the products do not belong in the household waste but are recycled.


Additionally, LEDs are compliant with the RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) Directive. In compliance with this Directive, it is prohibited to use six hazardous substances (including lead, mercury, cadmium, etc.). The absence of these substances means that the bulbs are not toxic. Therefore, they can be safely used and recycled just like regular lamps.

How are LED lights recycled?

Although they contain no toxic substances, but valuable electronic components. These can be recycled through recycling. Diodes, semiconductors, and transformers can be recycled, just like any standard electronic device. In addition, LEDs are made of glass (88%), various metals (5%) and other materials (7%). Some of the contained metals are very valuable for recycling, such as Indium, Gallium, and Rare Earth Elements (REE), which degenerate into the Earth's crust. So that the individual components can be recycled better, the luminous bodies for recycling are broken down into their individual components.

Where can I drop my old LED bulbs?

In Germany, the EU directive WEEE for the disposal of old electrical appliances is implemented by the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG). You can return your old lights to various stations for recycling. Use private consumers with commercial dispensing quantities:
The municipal collection points, such as pollutant mobile and recycling centers
Take-back systems of manufacturers and outlets of electronic equipment
If you are a large-scale commercial consumer in Germany, you can also dispose of your old bulbs at bulk collection points (minimum quantity of 50 pieces). From one tonne a year you can also arrange a free direct collection of the old lamps by Light cycle. The weight corresponds to about 5,000 light sources.
 Also, read about Light up with shelves. 

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