Proper Fluorescent Bulb Disposal

When your fluorescent bulbs burn out, the ideal form of disposal is to drop them off at a recycling depot. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), almost every part of a fluorescent bulb can be recycled. When fluorescent bulbs end up in a landfill, they almost always wind up smashed, which causes mercury to be released into the environment. The EPA says that 650 million bulbs with mercury are thrown into American landfills each year. If you are unable to drop the fluorescent bulbs off at a recycling depot, make sure to package the bulbs correctly before throwing them in the trash.

Instructions

- 1
  Contact your municipal waste resource management department to find out what the local disposal requirements are for fluorescent light bulbs. Ask if there are any recycling and/or disposal depots in your area. The Earth 911 website also allows you to search for depots. For example, New York City residents can drop off fluorescent light bulbs at Home Depot locations and at the New York household special waste drop-off site. Find out how many times a year you can drop off bulbs at a particular depot. Save bulbs and return several at a time.
- 2
  Place burnt-out fluorescent bulbs inside two plastic bags and tie to prepare for regular household disposal. Place the wrapped bulbs into an outdoor garbage can until garbage day.
- 3
  Air out your home if you broke a fluorescent bulb. According to Energy Star, you should clear the room of people and pets, open a window for at least 15 minutes and shut off any heating or ventilation system. Sweep up all glass and powder with cardboard, not a broom or a vacuum cleaner. Use tape or wet paper towel to pick up any remaining pieces. Place the bulb pieces, tape and paper towel inside a glass jar with a metal lid or in several plastic bags. Place the jar or plastic bags in an outdoor garbage can.

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