• Keeps mercury containing products out of inappropriate waste disposal  streams (especially incineration);
• Preferred disposal method in most states for mercury-containing lamps;
• Consistent with solid waste disposal bans and partial bans in some states;
• May limit user's superfund liability; and 
• Simplifies enforcement

Lamp recycling is not self-supporting. Spent lamps have no intrinsic value or embodied energy. The recovered mercury has minimal value however the cost of recycling lamps 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 which saves you 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.