- 1Handle with extreme care to prevent breakage
- 2Keep bulbs in original packaging or place in sturdy container
- 3Transport upright when possible
- 4Never touch broken glass with bare hands
- 5If broken, ventilate area and follow EPA cleanup guidelines
- Home Depot CFL recycling
- Lowe's take-back
- Hazardous waste facilities
- IKEA lighting recycling
- Local utility programs
NEVER put in regular trash or curbside recycling. Contains mercury - a neurotoxin that bioaccumulates in the environment. Federal law prohibits disposal in landfills.
Proper recycling recovers 99% of mercury content and prevents contamination of groundwater and air. Each recycled CFL prevents 4mg of mercury from entering the environment - enough to contaminate 1,000 gallons of water.
Accepted
- Spiral/twist CFLs (all wattages)
- Globe-shaped CFLs
- Flood and reflector CFLs
- Candelabra CFLs
- 3-way CFLs
- Specialty shape CFLs
Not Accepted
- Broken CFLs (require special hazmat handling)
- CFLs with integrated fixtures
- Commercial grade CFLs (contact manufacturer)
Estimated value: $0.50-1.00 per bulb in mercury recovery
Manufacturer/Retail Take‑Back
- Mercury vapor (4mg per bulb)
- Phosphor coating
- Electronic ballast
What if I accidentally break a CFL?
Ventilate the room for 15 minutes, use stiff paper to scoop up pieces (never a vacuum), and place debris in a sealed container. Contact local hazmat disposal.
Are CFLs being phased out?
Yes, most manufacturers have stopped producing CFLs in favor of more efficient LEDs, making proper disposal of existing CFLs even more important.
How much mercury is in a CFL?
About 4mg - seems small but enough to contaminate 1,000 gallons of water if improperly disposed.