Illinois to ban fluorescent lighting in 2026

Starting soon, Illinois residents will no longer be able to purchase fluorescent lights due to the Clean Lighting Act. This legislation aims to reduce pollution caused by the improper disposal of fluorescent lights, which release mercury and other toxins into the air.

The act amends the Illinois Environmental Protection Act and will partially take effect in 2026, banning the production and sale of screw-based or bayonet-based compact fluorescent lamps. By 2027, the ban will extend to pin-base compact fluorescent lights and fluorescent tubes.

Exceptions to the ban include fluorescent lighting used for medical purposes, academic research, and vehicle headlights manufactured before 2020.

Proponents of the ban highlight that three out of four fluorescent bulbs are disposed of incorrectly, leading to broken glass and the release of toxins. However, opponents argue that the law will incur long-term costs for businesses.

Illinois will become the 10th state to implement such a ban.