Recycling and Disposal of CFLs
Recycling of CFL's prevents the release of mercury into the environment. CFLs and other fluorescent bulbs usaully break when they are thrown into dumpsters, trash cans, or the trash compactor.
Why is Recycling CFLs Important?
- Other materials in the bulbs get reused. Recycling CFLs and other fluorescent bulbs allows the reuse of the glass, metals and other materials that make up fluorescent lights. Virtually all components of a fluorescent bulb can be recycled.
- Your area may prohibit disposal and/or require recycling. Some states and local jurisdictions have more stringent regulations than U.S. EPA does, and may require that you recycle CFLs and other mercury-containing light bulbs. Visit search.Earth911.com EXIT to contact your local waste collection agency, which can tell you if such a requirement exists in your state or locality. We are aware that the following states prohibit mercury-containing lamps from being discarded into landfills:
Exteranl Links.
- California
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- New Hampshire (PDF) (3 pp, 62 K, About PDF)
- Vermont
- Washington
* Information courtesy of epa.gov
If you have further questions about disposal of your CFL's then give us a call (206) 767 5334.