How should Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) be disposed? Do they need to be recycled?

Because Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) contain a small amount of mercury, EPA recommends that consumers take advantage of available local recycling options for CFLs:

1) These major retailers offer free CFL recycling for unbroken bulbs:

• Ace Hardware
• The Home Depot 
• IKEA
• Lowes  

2) These websites have databases of recycling options:

• earth911.org
• 1800recycling.com  

3) Or contact your local municipal solid waste agency

If your state or local environmental regulatory agency permits you to put used or broken CFLs in the garbage, seal the bulb in a plastic bag and put it into the outside trash, or other protected outside location, for the next scheduled trash collection. Never send a fluorescent light bulb or any other mercury-containing product to an incinerator.

ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs have a 2 year warranty. Here's what to do if your bulb has failed within the warranty period.