Replacing lighting in an office, shop or other property? Keep unwanted light tubes protected while you arrange an appropriate collection route. Fluorescent lamps contain mercury and need suitable handling; LED tubes and other lamp types have different components. Identify the lamp type rather than assuming every tube is the same.

Six tips for storing unwanted light tubes

Identify and separate the lamp types. Keep linear fluorescent tubes separate from other lamp formats. Tell your collection provider whether you have fluorescent tubes, LED tubes or another type. If you are unsure, provide photographs of the labels and lamps without dismantling them.
Ask about a suitable protective container. Use a container appropriate to the lamps’ length and quantity, following the supplier’s and collection provider’s instructions. It should be strong enough to protect the contents during storage and handling. Original packaging may protect an individual intact lamp, but confirm the required collection packaging rather than relying on it for a bulk load.
Prevent rolling, falling and unnecessary movement. Keep containers stable and secure. The safe orientation depends on the container and its instructions; do not leave tubes leaning loose against a wall or able to roll off a surface. Secure the container rather than taping bare tubes into a bundle.
Avoid pressure and overfilling. Choose a container that accommodates the full lamp length. Pack carefully and do not force a lid closed against the tubes. Do not stack heavy items on them. Avoid squeezing lamps into packaging that is too small, as pressure can cause breakage.
Choose a protected storage location. Keep containers sheltered from weather and away from busy routes where they could be knocked or damaged. Keep access controlled and follow the packaging instructions. Arrange collection before storage becomes overcrowded.
Flag damaged lamps before handling or collection. Do not deliberately break or crush lamps. If a lamp is broken, keep people away from the affected area and seek appropriate advice from your collection provider or workplace safety lead. Tell us about damage before booking so suitable handling and collection arrangements can be confirmed.

Storage guidance and specialist treatment

The Environment Agency’s WEEE storage guidance for permitted facilities sets out requirements for gas discharge lamps, including suitable rigid, lidded containers, careful packing and avoiding pressure on the contents. That guidance is written for permitted waste facilities; it is not a statement that every customer has the same facility obligations. Confirm the packaging and handling requirements for your own collection.

Fluorescent lamps require an appropriate specialist treatment route to manage mercury-containing components. Treatment depends on the lamp type and condition. We do not promise one universal recovery process or that every type of bulb can be collected together. Read more about our WEEE collection and recycling service.

Request a light-tube collection quote

Collections are paid; quotations are free. Before booking, we will confirm whether the lamps can be accepted, any special-handling requirements, the price and availability.

For your quote, provide the lamp type, approximate quantity and length, condition and any damage, clear photographs, the collection postcode, and details of stairs, lift access, parking and loading restrictions.

Send photographs and request a free light-tube collection quote.