How to Recycle Fluorescent Light Bulbs Through Safety Kleen

You can recycle fluorescent bulbs at many hazardous materials collection centers.

Safety Kleen is a nationwide corporation that specializes in the recycling and reprocessing of oil, as well as the collection of other hazardous materials like fluorescent light bulbs. The company is one of many that collect hazardous materials for profit and public service.



No matter which company you choose to work with, it's the disposal that is more important. Since the mercury contained in fluorescents can be harmful to your health, it's important to dispose of bulbs properly.

Things You'll Need

• Bulbs
• Packaging materials

Instructions

1. Contact the nearest Safety Kleen location to arrange drop off of collection boxes. Nearly every state has at least one Safety Kleen location which provides drop off and pick up of certain recyclables. You can find the Safety Kleen location nearest to you by visiting the Safety Kleen website. There may be a fee associated with the service, although prices and availability depend on your location.

2. Collect your fluorescent tubes. Typically, Safety Kleen will provide boxes that hold as many as 40 bulbs. Place your collection box in a location where it is unlikely to be disturbed or crushed. For the sake of everyone's health, avoid breaking the bulbs at all cost.

3. Contact Safety Kleen when you've filled the collection box to have it picked up by the company. Pay your service fees for proper disposal of bulbs.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have only a few tubes to be disposed of, they can be recycled at any fluorescent bulb collection center. Most Home Depot locations are bulb collection centers, and most cities have at least one collection center for hazardous materials. Contact your local trash hauler if you are not sure where to drop off noncommercial collections.

References

• Environmental Protection Agency: Mercury
• Maryland Recycles: Fluorescent Lamps

Resources

• Safety Kleen