The EPA recommends recycling bulbs that contain mercury, such as CFLs and fluorescent tubes, instead of putting them in the household trash, and some states and localities require it. Local rules decide, so ask your local waste collection agency, which can also tell you how to get rid of LEDs and other bulbs.
Which bulbs contain mercury
CFLs and fluorescent tubes do, and so do black lights, bug zapper and tanning bulbs, neon bulbs and high intensity discharge lamps such as metal halide. On household bulbs such as CFLs, the FTC’s rule requires “Contains Mercury” on the package, with a pointer to epa.gov/cfl. Fluorescent tubes and the rest of the EPA’s list hold mercury whether or not their package mentions it.
LEDs, halogens and incandescent bulbs aren’t on the EPA’s list of bulbs with mercury. Feit’s product pages list it under Contains Mercury, such as “Yes” for its BPESL13T/GU24 CFL.
Why recycle them
Fluorescent bulbs often break in a trash can, a compactor or a landfill, which can let their mercury out. Almost every part of a fluorescent bulb can be recycled, from the glass to the metal.
Where to take them
- Your local waste collection agency. Its service is usually free, though some charge a small fee. Some collect household hazardous waste only once or twice a year, so you may need to keep the bulbs until then. The EPA points to search.Earth911.com to find yours.
- Stores. Many hardware stores and other retailers recycle bulbs, but not every store in a chain takes part, and some take only certain kinds, such as CFLs but not 4 ft. tubes. Check with the store before you go.
- Mail-back kits. Some bulb makers and other groups sell prepaid kits that you fill with old bulbs and mail to a recycler.
Until you drop them off, store old CFLs and tubes in a container that keeps them from breaking, such as their original box or a box from a new bulb. Recyclers generally want them unbroken.
If your area allows the trash
Where your state or local rules permit CFLs in the household trash, the EPA says to seal the bulb in a plastic bag and put it in the outside trash for the next collection.
LEDs, halogen and incandescent bulbs
Disposal rules for these vary by place as well, so ask your local waste collection agency how it takes them.
Broken bulbs
Clean up a broken CFL or tube with the EPA’s cleanup steps first, and keep the sealed pieces outdoors. Then check your local government’s rules for broken bulbs. Some places require broken fluorescent bulbs to go to a recycling center, and recyclers usually want bulbs whole, so ask before you take them.
Replacing the bulb?
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