# How to Dispose Properly of Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
However, like all fluorescent bulbs, CFLs contain a small amount of mercury (i.e., about 1/100th the amount in a traditional mercury thermometer). Although the amount of mercury in a CFL is tiny, mass disposal of the bulbs can cause environmental problems. In addition, almost every part of a CFL is recyclable. For these reasons, it makes good sense to dispose of CFLs properly.
Things You'll Need
- Phone
- Computer
Instructions
-
-
1
Contact your local solid waste collection company and ask about their policies for CFL disposal. In some cases, your garbage service might collect spent CFLs if you take special steps like bagging them separately.
-
2
Call your city or county government offices, and ask if they offer a CFL program at local recycling centers. Although this isn't as easy as dropping the bulb in the trash, recycling centers take many different items, so you may be able to take care of multiple household items that are waiting for disposal.
-
3
Take the bulbs to a local retailer that collects them for recycling. For example, hardware stores like Home Depot and housewares stores like IKEA accept spent bulbs as a customer service. You can also use Earth911 or the EPA's website to find commercial locations that accept spent CFLs in your area (see Resources).
-
1
- How to Properly Dispose of TVs
- Fluorescent Light Questions
- Fluorescent FUL Vs. LOA
- How to Dispose of Light Ballasts
- How to Replace WB36X10003 Bulbs in a GE Microwave
- How Do I Properly Dispose of a Microwave Oven?
- How to Build a Light Bulb Chandelier
- How to Dispose of Four-Foot Fluorescent Lights
- Information on Aqua-Glo Fluorescent Light Bulbs
- How to Mix Light Bulbs
- How to Fix Fluorescent Lights
- How to Layout Fluorescent Lighting
