Abstract: A lamp crushing machine comprises a casing which may be divided into upper, central and lower zones. Lamps which are to be disposed of are loaded into the upper zone. In the central zone there is a horizontally mounted drum with a number of radial vanes and possibly also circumferential vanes. When this drum is rotated the lamps are progressively broken by the shearing action of the vanes as they pass close by the edges of walls which project inwardly from the casing. Unbreakable parts such as lamp and caps are carried around the drum in pockets arranged between the vanes. The debris falls into a hopper in the lower zone which can be removed and emptied periodically. Throughout operation of the machine the lamps are doused by water issuing from a nozzle to quench any igniting sodium. Dangerous vapors pass out through special vents and other contaminents are filtered out of the water draining from the machine.