Oregon Bans Sale of Fluorescent Light Bulbs

The sale of fluorescent light bulbs became illegal on January 1, 2025, to encourage Oregonians to switch to energy-efficient LED lighting.

The Ban Will Reduce Environmental Toxins and Protect Health

The legislation attempts to reduce environmental toxins as fluorescent lighting contains small amounts of mercury, which harms health and the environment.

Fluorescent Bulbs Cannot be Dumped with Regular Trash

Oregonians are reminded that fluorescent bulbs cannot be dumped into regular trash because of their mercury content. Instead, the lighting must be dropped off at hardware stores or hazardous waste centers.

Residents may have to change the wiring of some fixtures when transitioning to LED lighting.

LED Lighting Will Save Oregon Residents $49 Million in Electric Bills

Oregon is now the seventh state to place an outright ban on the sale of this type of lighting in a move expected to save residents $49 million in electric bills by 2030.

Although more expensive, LED lighting is energy-efficient and has a longer lifespan.

Oregon-based lighting stockists report a mixed reception to the ban.

Kelly Obrien of Builders Electric says many homeowners have been caught unaware of the new legislation, while Doug White of True Value Hardware says many customers stocked up with fluorescent lighting before the onset of the ban.

The stockists also report that while some businesses have switched to LED lighting, others will do so when existing fluorescent tubes burn out.

OSPIRG, a consumer advocacy group that supported the ban on fluorescent lighting, applauds Oregon lawmakers for introducing sustainable and environmental protection measures.

In another far-reaching environmental safety measure, yesterday (January 2), Daily Tidings reported the ban of Styrofoam in Oregon as a container for food and drink. Manufactured from petroleum-based plastic polystyrene, Styrofoam is harmful to health and the environment.