How to Recycle CFL Bulbs
Compact fluorescent lamps. Federal universal waste lamps when hazardous (40 CFR 273). Average mercury content about 4 mg (EPA).
Quick answer
Keep CFLs out of curbside recycling. EPA recommends a local recycling or household hazardous-waste option, and some state or local rules require it. If your local authority allows household trash, seal the bulb or broken-bulb debris in a plastic bag and place it in outside trash. If one breaks, air the room, use stiff paper and tape, and never vacuum. Before you go, confirm that a local recycling center accepts the material in its current condition.
- Recycling route
- Check locally
- Typical value
- No consumer scrap payout; drop-off is usually free
- Donate / take-back
- Available
How to Prepare
- 1Keep bulbs unbroken in original packaging or a rigid box
- 2Check a local retailer or recycling program before travelling; participation and accepted bulb types vary
- 3If broken, follow EPA cleanup: ventilate 5-10 minutes, no vacuum, seal debris, then ask the drop-off whether broken CFLs are accepted
Where to Recycle
- Home Depot (free CFL recycling, intact bulbs)
- Lowe's
- Batteries Plus
- IKEA store recycling
- County HHW facilities
Special Instructions
Never put CFLs in curbside recycling. EPA recommends recycling mercury-containing lamps and directs households to check state and local requirements; some jurisdictions require recycling. If local rules allow household trash, EPA says to seal the bulb or cleanup debris in a plastic bag and place it in outside trash.
Environmental Impact
Recycling recovers mercury and glass instead of sending vapor and phosphor to landfill or incinerator ash. EPA cites roughly 4 mg mercury per average CFL.
Official guidance and resources
Accepted items and drop-off rules can vary by location. Check the destination before you go.
What’s Accepted
Accepted
- Spiral and twist CFLs
- Globe, flood, and candelabra CFLs
- 3-way CFLs
Not Accepted
- Broken CFLs at retailers that only take intact bulbs (use HHW or a lamp recycler)
- Linear fluorescent tubes (see fluorescent tubes)
Donation & Take‑Back Options
Estimated value: No consumer scrap payout; drop-off is usually free
Manufacturer/Retail Take‑Back
Hazardous Components
- Mercury vapor (~4 mg average)
- Phosphor coating
- Electronic ballast
FAQs
What if I break a CFL?
Open windows for 5-10 minutes per EPA, leave the room, then scoop glass and powder with stiff paper or cardboard. Do not vacuum. Put debris in a sealed container and take it to HHW or a lamp recycler that accepts broken lamps.
Are CFLs universal waste?
When they are hazardous waste, spent mercury lamps can be managed as universal waste under 40 CFR 273. That mainly cuts the paperwork for businesses; households should still recycle them and obey state landfill bans.
How much mercury is in a CFL?
EPA puts the average near 4 mg. IMERC survey data summarized by NEWMOA found 96% of CFLs sold contain 10 mg or less.
Related recycling guides
- How to recycle Fluorescent Tubes
- How to recycle LED Bulbs
- How to recycle Halogen Bulbs
- How to recycle Emergency and Exit Lighting
- How to recycle Incandescent Bulbs
- How to recycle LED Strip Lights
- How to recycle High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Lamps
- How to recycle Holiday and String Lights
- How to recycle Neon and Argon Lights
Recycle cfl bulbs
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