All fluorescent light bulbs contain a small amount of mercury. To keep the mercury out of our air and water, the bulbs should be disposed of properly. For perspective, compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) average about four milligrams of mercury in each bulb compared to 500 milligrams found in a mercury thermometer. Many manufacturers have introduced new CFLs with even lower mercury content — as little as one milligram.

In most communities, you can dispose of CFLs — and incandescent light bulbs — at centers set up to recycle or safely store household hazardous wastes such as paints, solvents, batteries, and automotive oil. Store used fluorescent bulbs in a safe place until it’s time to take household hazardous waste to a designated disposal center.

There are several resources you can use to find locations and programs for recycling CFLs and other household hazardous wastes. Check the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality website for a list of household hazardous waste programs by county. In addition, some retailers, including Home Depot, Lowe’s and Ikea, now offer CFL recycling programs. (Or use the Earth911 website. Just type “CFLs” and your ZIP code to find recycling locations near you). It’s a good idea to call ahead and confirm program availability. And note that some disposal facilities may charge a fee while others are free.

What if a CFL breaks?
The Environmental Protection Agency offers instructions on how to clean up a broken CFL.