As the new year quickly approaches, more lighting bans will be going into effect in the State of California. This new ban is the second half of CA AB 2208, which will fully ban the final sale and distribution of most fluorescent lamps in the state. Today, we’ll take a look at what exactly has been banned, the reasons behind the bans, and what your replacement options are moving forward.

What Fluorescent Lights Are Being Banned?

CA AB 2208 has been implemented in two phases. The first phase, which began January 1st of this year (2024), banned the sale and distribution compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) with a screw base or bayonet base regardless of the shape, color rendering index (CRI), or color temperature.

The second phase going into effect in a few shorts week will be far broader, effectively eliminating all linear fluorescent lamps and all remaining CFLs. Like the previous phase, the ban includes all lengths, shapes, color temperatures, and CRIs. This means that you will no longer be able to buy most fluorescent lamps including:

• PL and PL-L compact fluorescent lamps

• CFL twin tube, triple tube, and 2D lamps

• GU24 base CFLs

• T5, T8, T10, and T12 linear fluorescent tubes of any length or base type

• U-bend fluorescent lamps

• Circline fluorescent lamps

• High CRI fluorescent lamps

Linear

Circline

PL

Spiral

U-bend

Are Any Fluorescent Lamps Exempt From the Ban?

While the majority of fluorescent lamps will be banned, there will be some exemptions for specialty lamps used for very specific applications:

• Image capture and projection lamps

• Germicidal and disinfection lamps

• Sunlamps

• Pharmaceutical, veterinary, and scientific lamps

Why is California Banning Fluorescent Lamps?

Fluorescent lamps are being banned primarily due to their mercury content and energy inefficiency. Mercury is an essential component used in all fluorescent lamps. It allows for efficient light emission, which is what makes fluorescent lamps more energy efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs. However, mercury containing lamps pose health and environmental risks. When disposed of improperly, mercury can seep into the soil and water.

Though fluorescent lamps are more efficient than incnadescents, they are far less efficient compared to LED products. As part of their ongoing goal to reach net zero carbon pollution (also referred to as being ‘carbon neutral’) by 2045, California has been slowly phasing out less efficient lighting technologies and moving toward energy efficient lighting.

Lighting Fact: California has been an early adopter of energy efficiency initiatives. For example, they banned most general service incandescent lamps in 2018, several years ahead of the 2023 federal ban.

Are Other States Banning Fluorescent Lamps Too?

California isn’t the only state that is banning fluorescent lamps. Multiple states have bans on various fluorescent lamp types going into effect in the coming year, including Colorado, Hawaii, and Minnesota. We strongly recommend checking with your state to find out if any bans are forthcoming.

Additional Restrictions in Various States: We will have additional blog posts covering all bans and proposed regulations soon.

How Can I Dispose of Any Fluorescent Lamps I Have?

Used fluorescent lamps should be disposed of properly and safely. Do not throw them away in your regular trash. If you live in California, there are several ways to dispose of your lamps:

• Schedule a pickup with your local waste collection agency

• The DTSC Household Hazardous Waste Program website has information about local collection programs

• Earth911 lets you search for drop-off locations and collection schedules in your zip code.

• Drop them off at a retailer that collects used lamps

• Take them to a household hazardous/electronic waste collection event

How Can I Recycle Fluorescent Lamps?

Fluorescent lamps can be recycled. Many recycling and waste collection companies will take them as long as you schedule a pickup in advance. Several retailers will also take them. You also have the option of mailing them to recycling companies using recycling kits.

What Are My Replacement Options?

If you still use a lot of fluorescent lighting products, it’s time to start considering replacements. As California continues to shift towards more efficient lighting, LED bulbs and fixtures are your best (and only) choice. With LEDs, you can either replace your fixtures outright or retrofit them.

Option 1: Replace

If your fluorescent fixtures are old, your best option is to replace them all with similar LED fixtures. While this may have a lot of upfront costs, LED fixtures quickly pay for themselves in maintenance and energy savings. And in many cases, you can properly light a space with fewer LED fixtures than fluorescent. We carry a wide range of LED fixtures with integrated lamps. Some of our most popular include high bays, panels and troffers, area lights, and can lights. If you are not sure where to start, our helpful lighting experts are here to help. They can help you determine the best fixtures for your project and find approved lighting. Just give them a call at 1-800-624-4488.

Option 2: Retrofit

If your fixtures are new or still in good shape, retrofitting with LED tubes, plug-in lamps, and HID retrofit lamps may be a better option. Just make sure to pay attention to the operation of the LED lamp. Plug and play LEDs work with existing magnetic or electronic ballasts (if compatible), while ballast bypass LEDs require the removal of the ballast. Each has it’s own pros and cons. For help determining which is best for your application, speak with one of our lighting experts at 1-800-624-4488.

The Nuclear Option – Stock Up on Fluorescent Lamps

Maybe you don’t want to replace or retrofit your light fixtures right away. Then the ‘nuclear option’ is for you, which is to stock up on fluorescents now before the ban takes effect. We carry a wide range of fluorescent lights that are in stock and ready to ship. Orders over $500 get free shipping. If you are planning on placing a larger order, call 1-800-624-4488 to ask about bulk pricing. Just remember to get your orders in before January 1, 2025.

Keep in mind that this ban is for California, but there are other states enacting similar bans. For additional information about the California fluorescent ban, you can read the full bill here. And if you need help or have questions about any lighting, from incandescent to LED, we are here to help. Call 1-800-624-4488 to speak with one of our US-based lighting experts or visit 1000Bulbs.com.