Using fluorescent light bulbs makes good sense-you save money on your electric bill and help protect the environment by reducing energy use.  However, because they contain mercury, fluorescent bulbs must be recycled.  Even a small amount of mercury released into the environment is a concern.  Never throw these bulbs in the trash, whether intact or broken.  It is illegal to do so!

Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) contain about 5 mg of mercury sealed inside the glass tube.  This is a very small amount, about the size of the tip of a pen.  Fluorescent light bulbs are safe to use because no mercury is released when the bulbs are in use.  Simply be careful when removing or replacing fluorescent bulbs and make sure to recycle them!

There are many local recycling options for bulbs that contain mercury.  Many hardware stores and retailers that sell fluorescent light bulbs also collect them for recycling.  Other options include recycling companies, city recycling events, and some county household hazardous waste (HHW) drop-off sites. The types of bulbs that require recycling are:

• Fluorescent bulbs of all shapes and sizes (CFLs, tubes, circles, U-shaped, bug "zappers", tanning lamps and black lights)
• High-intensity discharge (HID) lamps, typically used for exterior lighting (metal halide, mercury vapor and high-pressure sodium)
• Neon lights

To avoid breakage and exposure to mercury, store bulbs in their original packaging in a location out of reach of children and pets.  When transporting fluorescent bulbs for recycling, either repack them in their original packaging or wrap them in newspaper or bubble wrap and then place in a box or bag to prevent breakage.  Do not use tape on the bulbs, and do not tape the bubble wrap. If you break more than two fluorescent bulbs at one time, or if you are unsure of how to safely clean up broken bulbs, call the Minnesota Duty Officer at 800-422-0798.

Visit RethinkRecycling.com/cfl for more information about fluorescent light bulbs and to learn about recycling options in your area.