How to Dispose of CFLs in a Trash Can

Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) are a type of low-energy bulb used to replace incandescent bulbs. CFL bulbs often resemble spirals or tubes. They last longer and use 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), CFLs should be recycled and discarded as hazardous waste due to low levels of mercury present in each bulb. If recycling is not an option, learning how to remove and discard CFL bulbs in your trash can prevents them from breaking and contaminating your home and the surrounding environment with mercury.

Two plastic zip-lock bags
Internet/phone
CFL recycling center

Instructions

- 1
  Disconnect power to the light from which you are removing a CFL, as a safety precaution. Allow the CFL bulb to cool down before trying to remove it. CFLs can produce an odor or smoke upon failing; however nether are hazardous and can be diminished by opening windows or turning on a fan.
- 2
  Grip the handling base of the CFL bulb and turn it counter-clockwise to detach it from the fixture. Do not apply force to the glass part of the bulb because breaking a CFL bulb causes mercury emissions.
- 3
  Place CFLs into two plastic bags. Zip or seal the bags closed and set them aside in a safe and cushioned place away from children until your garbage pick-up day. Putting CFLs in plastic bags contains the release of mercury from bulbs that break in the trash or during transport.

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