Users should understand that lamp recycling in not self-supporting. Spent lamps have no intrinsic value or embodied energy. The recovered mercury has minimal value. The cost of recycling lamps, however, is relatively small compared to the cost savings from using energy efficient lighting. Generally, fluorescent lamps are four to five times more efficient than incandescent bulbs.
Fluorescent lamps reduce energy consumption that saves users money.
Reducing energy use also cuts down on power plant emissions of mercury and other emissions that contribute to global climate change, acid rain and smog. NEMA urges state officials to contact Lamprecycle.org if they place new material regarding lamp recycling on their websites.