Lamps with longer life will require fewer replacements, reducing the demand for raw materials and lowering recycling costs.

According to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), lamp manufacturers have increased the product life of mercury-containing lamps, most notably by 20% in the most common fluorescent lamps since the 1980s.  Previously, lamp life of these lamps was 20,000 hours and has been increased to 24,000, with some premium types at 30,000 hours.  Some HID lamp types have also seen an increase in lamp life, primarily in the lower wattage lamps. 

Longer-lasting lamps are identified in the SYLVANIA catalog with one of these symbols.