Compact fluorescent light bulbs, or CFLs, save energy and money. These handy light bulbs last eight to fifteen times longer than traditional incandescent light bulbs. Nevertheless, they will eventually outlive their usefulness leaving users wondering: Where do I recycle light bulbs?
Unlike incandescent bulbs, compact fluorescent light bulbs should be disposed of professionally, in order to prevent the leakage of harmful mercury. However, this doesn’t have to be a difficult chore. While initially users of compact fluorescent light bulbs had to return the dead bulbs through local hazardous waste programs, the increased adoption of CFLs has led to an explosion of available collection locations.
Possibly one of the most convenient places to rid your home of old light bulbs are at the very same stores that sell them. National retail outlets with in-store light bulb recycling programs, include Ikea, Ace Hardware, and Home Depot. Even some Wal-Mart locations offer special recycling days where anyone can bring in their dead CFLs.
If none of these locations are convenient to you, the EPA recommends storing your dead CFLs inside two plastic bags until a solution does emerge. On the EPA’s website is a guide to help you find a recycling program in your area. Another convenient resource is Earth911.com, which provides local information on a variety of recycling programs, including CFLs.
As compact fluorescent lamps become common in more and more households, the availability of recycling programs will also begin to rise. There is even talk of installing recycling boxes in every post office. Just follow the few of the tips above and you should have no problems switching to a bulb that will save you money and time, while simultaneously benefiting the environment.
Mercury Warning: Although the mercury in CFLs requires proper disposal, there’s little cause to worry about personally being harmed should the bulb break. The mercury in a CFL is elemental mercury, not the methyl-mercury power plants generate and which can cause human health problems. If the bulb does break, the Environmental Protection Agency advises consumers to ventilate the room for about 20 minutes and then sweep the pieces into a zip lock bag. Seal the bag and then recycle the broken bulb at your nearest disposal center.
