Where can I recycle fluorescent light bulbs?

Question

Fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) contain mercury, and should be disposed of properly. I have been unable to find any recycling centers locally that would accept spent CFLs. I tried to google this and still cannot find the needed information. Do you know of any websites that are specific for CFL recycling?

Answer 1

Try going to www.earth911.org enter your zip and click on the item to recycle and they will provide a list of whats available in your area.

You can also contact a trash hauler in your area they often get calls about this type of thing and can probably help you find a place.

Talk to stores in your area that sell cfls some will take back the old ones.  

Look into your local government they will also be able to help you out or steer you in the right direction.

Answer 2

I don't know about websites, but I'm planning to try to recycle mine at the local landfill's hazardous waste recycling area,.    Maybe your local landfilll has recycling for the lights?

Answer 3

Call your local "BFI" or similar waste haulers and see if they have provisionsn for disposal of these items.

  It's a shame, but I cannot see spending great amounts of money to dispose of these things when no one wil take them locally, so I place them in plastic shopping bags and dispose of them with the regular garbage.

  There are only trace amounts of mercury in any of them, about 5mg, the size of the head of a straight pin.  A standard medical thermometer contains 500mg of mercury.

Answer 4

If you are in the USA, go to the LINK below. Click on the area and boom the next screen will give you where or who to call. Good luck.

If you are NOT in the USA try sending an email to http://www.northwesternenergystar.com They put out a flyer which may help you. Otherwise, ask them for the information.