Are Light Bulbs Biodegradable?

Biodegradable is defined as the ability of an object to be decomposed by natural or biological agents. The process of biodegradation involves the combination of bacteria and matter. A majority of the light bulbs manufactured today are not biodegradable.

Considerations

• Due to the emission of potentially hazardous substances, light bulbs do not naturally decompose. Light bulbs are considered electronic waste and are less likely to biodegrade than organic waste.

Banning

• Several bans on light bulbs have come about in a push for more energy efficient, recyclable and biodegradable lighting. With bans already in place in Australia, representatives from Ontario, Canada recently announced plans to ban the production and use of incandescent lights by 2012. California is currently considering the same ban.

Energy

• Light bulbs used in homes and buildings are a part of the concern regarding energy expenditures and environmental wastes. Light bulbs are generally not environmentally friendly because of their high energy consumption. Light bulbs also utilize toxic heavy metals that have difficulty decomposing; thus making them non-biodegradable. Engineers observe the behavior of light bulbs to assist in the production of more energy and cost efficient light bulbs.