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Fluorescent lights (whether compacts or tubes) are an excellent choice for home lighting.
They are about four times as energy efficient as traditional incandescent light bulbs, and last up to 10 times longer according to manufacturers’ estimates. Using a fluorescent light has less overall impact on our environment than using a conventional bulb.
All fluorescent light bulbs contain a small amount of mercury, and incandescent light bulbs contain lead. Both are substances we want to keep out of our air and water and should be disposed of properly.
In most communities, you can dispose of CFLs at centers set up to recycle or safely store household hazardous wastes such as paints, solvents, batteries, and automotive oil. Store used fluorescent bulbs — and any incandescent light bulbs — in a safe place until it's time to take household hazardous waste to a designated disposal center.
If one of the disposal facilities listed below* is not accessible to you, contact your local solid waste agency or garbage collector for information about other hazardous waste disposal options.
Earth Protection Services
6024 SW Jean Road, Building E
Lake Oswego
503-620-2466
Metro Central Station
6161 NW 61
Portland
503-234-3000
Metro South Station
2001 Washington Street
Oregon City
503-234-3000
Salem-Keizer Transfer Station
3250 Deer Park Road SE
Salem
503-588-5169
*Note: Call ahead to confirm these locations still accept the type of waste you want to dispose of.
Meanwhile, PGE is a leader in the effort to create community-based CFL recycling systems across the state. We’ve helped organize a team led by Zero Waste Alliance, a nonprofit with
the mission of eliminating waste and toxic substances from the environment. Other members include PacifiCorp, Bonneville Power Administration, Metro, DEQ and Northwest Energy
Efficiency Alliance.
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