How to Dispose of Light Bulbs
How to Dispose of Light Bulbs: How to recycle/dispose of light bulbs and tubes, fluorescent (CFL)
It is important to realize that not all light bulbs and fluorescent lighting tubes can be disposed or recycled along with your regular trash during curbside collections. It is acceptable to throw away incandescent and non-mercury-containing light bulbs with the rest of your trash, but compact fluorescent light bulbs (also known as CFLs) and tubes contain small traces of mercury and must be taken to the nearest Household Hazardous Waste collection site or community drop-off location. Operating hours for these facilities vary depending upon your location, so it is a good idea to call ahead and confirm before making the trip. There is no charge for disposing your household bulbs and tubes, though please note that community drop-off locations at retail stores will only accept small quantities of light bulbs at a time. (Alternatively, there is no quantity limit for drop-offs made directly at Household Hazardous Waste collection sites.)
If you need to remove CFLs and tubes from your business, take them directly to your nearest Solid Waste Processing Facility and Transfer Station. These locations charge $0.60 per bulb or four foot tube, and $1.20 per eight foot tube. There is no quantity limit for these types of drop-offs.
If one of your fluorescent light bulbs breaks, double-bag the broken bulb or tube in a re-sealable plastic bag and dispose of it in your regular household trash. Do not attempt to dispose of the broken bulb or type with your regular recycling!
