help protect the environment by disposing of it safely and correctly (click on a question to see the answer).
Why can’t I just throw my CFL in the trash?
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 — no more than four milligrams (that’s about the size of the period at the end of this sentence). Most CFL manufacturers have continued to voluntarily reduce mercury in their products, and some manufacturers have even made further reductions, dropping mercury content to 1 mg per bulb. For comparison, an oral mercury thermometer contains 500 mg to 1 gram of mercury, or 100 to 200 times more than a CFL.
Still, it is a good idea to keep your CFL intact and recycle it so any remaining mercury in the bulb tubing can be recovered and prepared for use in commercial applications.
What should I do with my used CFLs?
A number of retailers – including Lowe’s, The Home Depot, and independent stores – accept CFLs for recycling at no charge. To find a retailer that accepts CFLs, enter your zip code in the search box at the top of this page to search for participating recycling locations near you.
Customers may also check with their local city or county waste facility to find out if they accept CFLs for recycling. A list of facilities is available at www.lamprecycle.org.
Should I still use CFLs?
With LEDs becoming more popular and less expensive, your local retailers will have limited stock of CFLs in their stores. However, CFLs are still a more energy-efficient option than incandescent bulbs. Do you have CFLs at home? Keep using them because they will save energy and money. However, new CFL purchases no longer receive APS instant discounts.
What if my CFL breaks?
There is no danger and no need to be alarmed. The U.S. EPA recommends basic cleanup steps:
- Do not sweep or vacuum.
- Collect broken glass and visible powder by scooping up fragments with stiff paper or cardboard and using sticky tape for small glass fragments and powder.
- Wipe the area clean with a damp paper towel.
- Place cleanup materials in a sealed plastic bag.
- Place the bag outdoors in a trash container or protected area.
- If practical, air out the room for several hours where the bulb was broken.
For more information on cleanup, visit www.energystar.gov/mercury.
