How to Recycle Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are becoming commonplace in residential and commercial lighting. They use around 75 percent less energy and last about 10 times as long as standard incandescent light bulbs. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that if every home in the U.S. replaced one incandescent light bulb with a CFL, the energy savings would be enough to power three million homes for a year. Much of the energy savings can be offset, however, if used lamps are not properly disposed of.

Things You'll Need

• Small bags or boxes
• Large storage container

Instructions

1. Keep CFLs separate from both regular household waste and other recycling materials. Because they contain mercury (albeit a tiny amount, barely enough to cover the tip of a ballpoint pen), CFLs cannot be disposed of the same way as other materials.

2. Store the CFLs in a way that will keep them from breaking, such as in a small box or plastic bag. Most lamp recyclers will not accept broken bulbs because the mercury and phosphors have already been released at that point.

3. Familiarize yourself with local recycling centers and the materials they accept. Not all recycling centers are set up to accommodate hazardous materials, so it's best to find this out beforehand. Visit earth911.com to find your nearest approved recycling location. Most Home Depot locations now have a CFL recylcing center set up.

4. Another option is to order an approved storage container that you can fill and ship directly to a recycling facility. Websites such as lightbulbrecycling.com sell kits for home and office use.

References

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Lamp Recycle
• Energy Star