packaging for shipping spent fluorescent tubes includes an external paperboard box lined with a plastic bag that encloses a pair of end pads positioned on opposite ends of an array of sleeves . the sleeves form discrete cells in which a spent fluorescent tube can be inserted for shipping . the end pads include foam that is pressed into the ends of the sleeves when the box is shut and confine the tubes to the sleeves in the event of breakage . the foam protects the plastic bag liner by accommodating electrical pins of the lamps and also clamps the lamps in relatively fixed positions while functioning as a shock absorber . the plastic bag is tied closed for shipping so that any mercury which issues from a broken lamp is largely confined to the bag . the packaging better retains mercury for disposition by a recycler , as opposed to release into the environment , and is arranged to serve the convenience of the user for encouraging recycling of fluorescent tubes .