Bulb Recycling

Be sure to recycle them

To help protect the environment and keep mercury from entering our soil and water, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that customers recycle CFL bulbs through local recycling options. Please click on the links for recycling options in your community.

Congratulations on your switch to Compact Fluorescent Lighting

If you’re already using Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) in your home you’ve made a wise choice. Switching from incandescent light bulbs to CFLs is an easy way to reduce your energy use and prevent greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change. ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs use up to 75 percent less energy than regular bulbs, last up to 10 times longer, cost little up front, and provide a quick return on investment.

In fact, if every home in America replaced just one bulb with an ENERGY STAR qualified CFL, in one year it would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of more than 800,000 cars.  

CFLs contain a small amount of mercury

Many manufacturers are working towards reducing mercury in their fluorescent lighting products. Currently, CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury encased in glass tubing—an average of 5 milligrams—roughly the amount that would cover the tip of a ballpoint pen. In comparison, older thermometers contain about 500 milligrams of mercury. It would take 100 CFLs to equal that amount.

What happens if a CFL breaks in my home?

CFLs are made of glass and can break if dropped or handled roughly so be careful when removing the bulb from its packaging, installing it or replacing it.
If a compact fluorescent lamp breaks, follow the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidelines for proper clean-up.