Cleanup and Safe Disposal of Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs | US EPA
EPA recommends that consumers take advantage of available local options for recycling CFLs, other fluorescent bulbs and all household hazardous wastes rather than disposing of them in regular household trash.
View information about CFL recycling and disposal requirements specifically for businesses.
Why is recycling CFLs important?
How and where can I recycle CFLs?
Why is Recycling CFLs Important?
Recycling prevents the release of mercury into the environment. CFLs and other fluorescent bulbs often break when thrown into a dumpster, trash can or compactor, or when they end up in a landfill or incinerator. Learn more about CFLs and mercury.
Other materials in the bulbs get reused. Recycling CFLs and other fluorescent bulbs allows the reuse of the glass, metals and other materials that make up fluorescent lights. Virtually all components of a fluorescent bulb can be recycled.
Your area may require recycling. Some states and local jurisdictions have more stringent regulations than U.S. EPA does, and may require that you recycle CFLs and other mercury-containing light bulbs. California, Maine, New Hampshire, Minnesota, Vermont and Massachusetts Exit EPA Disclaimer , for example, all prohibit mercury-containing lamps from being discarded into landfills. Visit Earth911.com Exit EPA Disclaimer to contact your local waste collection agency, which can tell you if such requirement exists in your state or locality.
