Tips on Recycling a CFL

With compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), mercury content needs to be taken into consideration before disposal. Mercury is an extremely hazardous waste and is a major health concern when it comes in contact with humans and animals. In humans, mercury can cause brain and kidney damage. While many companies hope to have non-mercury CFLs in the near future, right now, such lamps are not currently available.

When you are ready to recycle your used lamps:

• Be sure to carefully package them to ensure that they do not break in transport. This could release dangerous toxins.
• An easy way to prepare used lamps for recycling is to box them up in the packaging from your new lamps.
• Store your old lamps until you can locate an appropriate place to recycle them.
• To find out where you can recycle or properly dispose of light bulbs in your area, use Earth 911.