Frequently Asked Questions


Cost or Pricing

1. How much does a kit cost?

Here is a list of all of our products by category:

Certificates of Recycling

1. What if I can’t find my certificate of recycling?

Please contact a BulbCycle representative at 858-412-6536 or email us at info@bulbcycle.com. Please provide us with your order number and the unique container number which is found on the actual recycling kit. Once we get this information we can check to see if the kit has been processed and will email you the certificate of recycling for your order when it is available.

2. After shipping my waste how long does it take to get my certificate of recycling?

It takes between 12-15 days to get your recycling certificate, depending on where your container was shipped and the amount of items we have at any time waiting to be processed.

Tracking

1. How do I get my tracking information?

Please email support@bulbcycle.com. Include your order number and we will get back you with your tracking information shortly. Shipping is done through FedEx Ground and typically takes 5-10 business days.

2. What do I do if I did not receive my tracking information?

Please email support@bulbcycle.com. Include your order number and we will get back you with your tracking information shortly.

Packing kits, quantity of containers

1. Can you mix different types of bulbs in a recycling kit?

Yes, you can, for some types of lamps:

  • For 4ft fluorescent kits: you can mix T8 and T12 bulbs that are 4 feet or shorter in a 4ft box.
  • For 8ft fluorescent kits: you can mix T8 and T12 bulbs that are 8 feet or shorter in a 8ft box.
  • Please do not mix non-fluorescent bulbs in the fluorescent kits. We have other kit options available for non fluorescent bulbs.

2. Are the prepaid recycling containers safe to move?

Yes, the containers have an additional certified lining that keeps the waste contained. This ensures that they are perfectly safe to move and ship.

3. Can I put lead acid batteries in the prepaid recycling container?

Yes. We have a specific kit for lead acid batteries only. You can purchase lead acid battery disposal kit here.
We also have recycling containers for dry cell batteries, which can hold alkaline, nickel, cadmium, nickel metal hydride, iron, zinc carbon, and silver, as well as AA, AAA, C, D, and 9-volt batteries.

4. Can I place broken lamps in a prepaid recycling container?

Our kits are primarily designed for unbroken bulbs, however we do understand that bulbs that you may have some broken lamps, and some may break during transportation; our recycling partners will still accept them for processing.

5. How many containers should I order?

The amount of containers to order depends on the quantity and types of materials. It depends on the amount of waste you generate. It usually helps to order one more container than you need, that way you’ll always have one on-site while the other is being shipped back. Each container has a waste limit specified in the product details section. Review the details of each recycling kit in our store to see how much each kit holds.

6. I’ve seen reference to T8 and T12 lamps. What is the difference?

The diameter of a lamp is measured in eighths of an inch and expressed as a “T” number, such as T8 (equals 8/8’s or one inch) and T12 (equals 12/8’s or an inch and a half diameter).

7. What comes in each prepaid recycling mail-back kit?

Our pre-paid recycling program is for lamps/bulbs, exit signs, ballasts, batteries, electronics and thermostats. Each low-priced kits includes a container, all shipping costs to the recycling center, recycling costs and a certificate of recycling. You should receive your container(s) in 3-9 business days. You have one year to return them to us. If you would like to pay by invoice with net payment terms and purchase orders please ask our representatives for our vendor program forms.

Place your order online, or over the phone. View all of our kits here or reach us at 858-412-6536.

8. How should the waste be stored prior to a bulk pickup?

Intact Lamps – Try to keep lamps taped together to reduce breakage. It is best to keep them in the boxes they came in if possible.
Crushed Lamps – Crushed lamps should be stored in a locked steel 55-gallon drum complete with locking ring without any other types of items inside.
Ballasts – Non-leaking ballasts should be placed in plastic bag or liner and stored in a locked 55-gallon steel drum and without any other types of items inside.
Batteries – Batteries need to be sorted by type and secured in a box or bag to reduce spilling. Most companies store them in a 5-10 gallon bucket. Large batteries should be carefully laid on pallets with sheets of cardboard on top of the terminals of each row of batteries. Make sure nothing is leaking.
Computers – Computers and e-waste should be stored in large gaylord boxes or on pallets. They should be shrink-wrapped and properly secured to the pallet.

9. Do I have to count every lamp before they are shipped or picked up?

For regular shipping: yes, you will need to know how many items you have so that you can purchase the appropriate size and amount of boxes.

For bulk pickups: no, we will count the lamps for you and bill you for the exact amount.

10. What do I do with the boxes once they are filled?

Once you have filled the boxes simply call the FedEx number that is attached to each box or go to https://www.fedex.com/grd/rpp/ and set up a pickup using the tracking number that is printed on the red label on of your kit. FedEx will come to your location and pick them up free of charge.

11. Do you recycle tanning bed bulbs?

Yes, our mail back kits can be used with tanning bed bulbs.

12. Why can’t I use other boxes I have to return my waste?

BulbCycle complies with state packaging and labeling requirements. Each state has different standards and often requires special boxes/kits to mail universal waste.

13. Why can’t I just throw my lamps in the trash?

In most states it is illegal to throw your lamps and bulbs away with your normal trash. Bulbs and lamps contain large amounts of mercury which is highly toxic. Several states have a ban on the disposal of hazardous bulbs in a solid waste landfill.

Shipping and Returns

1. What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Paypal and Purchase Orders.

2. What are the terms and conditions for using BulbCycle prepaid recycling containers?

Our terms and conditions can be found here.

3. I lost the prepaid shipping label or lost my prepaid box. What should I do?

Contact us at support@bulbcycle.com or 858-412-6536 and explain your situation. We are happy to help.

4. How long does it take to receive my recycling kits?

Depending on your distance from our distribution center, you should receive your container(s) in 5-10 business days.

Services

1. Why choose BulbCycle?

BulbCycle is a national leader in lightbulb recycling technology. BulbCycle is partnered with the largest processors of lightbulbs in the country. Our outstanding customer satisfaction, customer service and national programs have given us long-term repeat customers. BulbCycle offers a wide range of recycling and disposal services. Call us today if you have any questions: 858-412-6536.

2. Tell me more about BulbCycle’s recycling programs.

BulbCycle offers a variety of prepaid mail-back containers for the recycling and disposal of fluorescent bulbs, broken lamps/bulbs, CFLs, other light products, computer waste, electronics waste (e-waste), batteries, mercury waste and exit signs. We also offer bulk pickups from your location. Email us at info@bulbcycle.com for more information about onsite bulk pickups.

We are headquartered in San Diego, California and service all of North America for crushed lamps, as well as intact lamps, ballasts, batteries, and computer hardware.

We have partnered with the some of the largest disposal and recycling companies in the country and offer very affordable rates. Each of our partners’ facilities are licensed to handle hazardous waste and will provide certificates that the proper disposal recycling was completed in accordance with regulations established by the EPA. Call us today to setup a disposal or to learn more about our services.

3. How do I become a distributor?

Contact BulbCycle by calling 858-412-6536. We work with many different vendors. Give us a call today to learn more.

What happens to the universal waste you recycle with BulbCycle

1. What happens to the batteries once they are picked up?

BulbCycle processes all of its clients’ waste with licensed partner facilities within the United States. When a battery is recycled it is sorted by type and placed into bins for reclamation, cancellation and recycling.

2. What happens to the lamps once they are shipped to you or picked up?

When your waste is picked up or shipped to us directly all the material is recycled and disposed of into machines that break apart and separate all of the different types of materials. For bulbs, after the glass is cleared of all mercury and other materials it is then reused to make other products. Once the bulbs are fully processed a recycling certificate is generated for your records.

3. Where is my waste sent?

Our recycling kits are processed at several different permitted recycling facilities throughout the Unites States. Our partners are in each state. Your waste will be shipped to your closest partner.

General Questions About Universal Waste

1. How do I get more information on the regulations about universal waste?

Please contact our customer service line at BulbCycle to get more information at 858-412-6536 or email us at info@bulbcycle.com.

2. What is universal waste?

Understanding Universal Waste

Universal waste consists of specific hazardous materials that are regulated under alternative waste management rules. These items are commonly found across industries and must be handled properly to ensure environmental safety.

Categories of Universal Waste

  1. Devices Containing Elemental Mercury
    • Includes thermostats, switches, thermometers, manometers, barometers, and some medical devices.
  2. Lamps
    • Covers fluorescent, high-intensity discharge (HID), sodium vapor, mercury vapor, neon, and incandescent lamps.
  3. Batteries
    • Includes spent dry-cell and lead-acid batteries.
  4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
    • Masks: Includes dust masks, flat-fold masks, isolation masks, procedural masks, and respirators (such as N95).
    • Disposable Gloves: Includes latex, nitrile, vinyl, and plastic gloves.
  5. Pesticides
    • Applies to specific pesticides that have been suspended, canceled, or remain unused.

Proper disposal and recycling of universal waste help reduce environmental hazards while ensuring compliance with waste management regulations.

3. What’s hazardous?

The most useful way to learn if your waste is considered hazardous is the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) test. Fluorescent bulbs and their broken fragments fail the TCLP test and are considered hazardous waste. Other hazardous items that BulbCycle offers recycling kits for include (but are not limited to): ballasts, CFLs, U-Bend bulbs, HID bulbs, dry cell batteries, and alkaline batteries.

Organizations should manage their spent lamps and bulbs as hazardous waste in accordance with their federal, state, and local requirements.

4. Why is mercury an environmental concern?

Mercury is commonly found in fluorescent and other types of lamps. A broken lamp releases the mercury into the air, ground and possibly ground water. It also will accumulate in living tissue of animals and humans and in large enough amounts it can cause serious health conditions.