CFL Bulb Recycling FAQs
When your CFL bulb does reach the end of its lifetime, it is important that you continue your commitment to help protect the environment by disposing of it safely and correctly. (click on a question to see the answer)
Can’t I just throw my CFL bulb in the trash?
Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) contain a trace amount of mercury, which is an essential part of the bulb, allowing it to be an efficient lighting source. This amount is extremely small—an average of four milligrams (that’s about the size of the period at the end of this sentence). For comparison, it would take all the mercury in 100-400 CFL bulbs to equal the amount of mercury in just one home thermometer.While the mercury in just one CFL bulb does not pose a hazard to you or to the environment, there are millions of CFLs currently being used in households and businesses. Therefore, it is important that we all make an effort to keep large concentrations of CFLs out of landfills by taking them to a local recycle center.
Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) contain a trace amount of mercury, which is an essential part of the bulb, allowing it to be an efficient lighting source. This amount is extremely small—an average of four milligrams (that’s about the size of the period at the end of this sentence). For comparison, it would take all the mercury in 100-400 CFL bulbs to equal the amount of mercury in just one home thermometer.
While the mercury in just one CFL bulb does not pose a hazard to you or to the environment, there are millions of CFLs currently being used in households and businesses. Therefore, it is important that we all make an effort to keep large concentrations of CFLs out of landfills by taking them to a local recycle center.
What happens to the CFL bulb once I take it for disposal?
Any mercury that is still contained in the bulb is recovered and prepared for use in commercial applications. The glass and ballasts are recycled or placed in a hazardous waste landfill.
Should I still use CFL bulbs?
The answer is YES! CFL bulbs use up to 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. CFL bulbs actually prevent more mercury from entering the environment by helping to reduce coal-fired power plant emissions. On average, a coal-fired power plant emits 10 milligrams of mercury to run an incandescent bulb, compared with only 2.4 milligrams to run a CFL (source: U.S. EPA). Experts agree that given a choice between CFL bulbs and incandescent bulbs, CFLs are better for your home and the environment. For more information on all sources of mercury, visit www.epa.gov/mercury.
What should I do with my used CFL bulb?
Once a CFL bulb burns out, most of the mercury has been used up. However, it’s still important that the bulb remain intact – you should not break or crush it. If possible, return the CFL bulb to its original packaging and take it to your county’s solid waste facility for proper disposal, at no charge. TIP: All CFL bulbs have at least a two-year warranty. If yours fails within this time, return it to the place of purchase for a replacement.
What if my bulb breaks?
Before cleanup Have people and pets leave the room. Air out the room for 5-10 minutes by opening a window or door to the outdoor environment. Shut off the central forced air heating/air-conditioning system, if you have one. Collect materials needed to clean up broken bulb. During cleanup Be thorough in collecting broken glass and visible powder. Place cleanup materials in a sealable container. After cleanup Promptly place all bulb debris and cleanup materials outdoors in a trash container or protected area until materials can be disposed of properly. Avoid leaving any bulb fragments or cleanup materials indoors. For several hours, continue to air out the room where the bulb was broken and leave the HVAC system shut off.
What are my recycling options?
Consumers can search for a participating recycler in their area by going to the Participating Retailers tab, entering in their zip code, and looking for retailers with a green recycle triangle next their name.Currently there are many cities in Maricopa County that will accept CFL’s as part of their household hazardous waste (HHW) collection. There is no cost for drop off as long as citizens show proof of residency in their city, typically with a water bill and picture ID. Currently, Yavapai and Pinal County have no services for household hazardous waste. Coconino County has a drop off facility in Flagstaff.Also check with your local The Home Depot store, which may offer CFL recycling and search for others using the above search form.
Consumers can search for a participating recycler in their area by going to the Participating Retailers tab, entering in their zip code, and looking for retailers with a green recycle triangle next their name.
Also check with your local The Home Depot store, which may offer CFL recycling and search for others using the above search form.