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Storing, Transporting and Recycling/Disposing of Mercury-Containing Light Bulbs (Lamps) from Households
The information on this page is directed towards households and consumers who want to recycle/dispose of their used mercury-containing light bulbs. Businesses have more stringent requirements for recycling/disposing of mercury-containing light bulbs. Businesses can learn about how to properly recycle/dispose of used mercury-containing light bulbs by visiting Universal Waste Handlers - Steps to Managing Your Universal Waste Lamps in an Environmentally-Safe Manner.
Step1: Safe Removal
Step 2: Safe Storage
Step 3: Proper Disposal
Step 4: Transport of Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Safe Removal of Fluorescent Light Bulbs from the Socket
Caution should be taken to avoid light bulb breakage when removing fluorescent light bulbs, including compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), from the socket. Breakage may result in release of mercury into the environment. Most light bulbs are removed in one of two ways:
- Push the bulb in one direction against a spring located in the socket and then remove it (much like removing AA batteries from devices), and
- Other light bulbs, such as CFLs, can simply be twisted to be removed, similar to incandescent light bulbs.
Store fluorescent light bulbs in containers that prevent them from breaking, such as in their original boxes, or boxes from replacement bulbs, or in containers supplied by fluorescent light bulb recyclers. Breaking these bulbs could result in the release of mercury. In addition, fluorescent light bulb recyclers generally require that the light bulbs arrive unbroken. Mark the lamp storage container as "Fluorescent Light Bulb for Recycling." Take lamps to a local household collection facility or arrange for a fluorescent light bulb recycler to pick them up.
- Find out about collection and recycling services where you live
- Contact your state environmental regulatory agency for more information
- Learn about how to clean up a broken bulb
- View a list of recyclers.
Recycling/Disposing of Fluorescent Light Bulbs After They Have Burned Out
Some states may require households to
recycle their mercury-containing light bulbs after they burn out. In addition, EPA strongly encourages the recycling of all
fluorescent light bulbs (including compact fluorescent light bulbs). Light bulbs that are discarded in the trash will break and some mercury will be released into the environment. Recycling these light bulbs will reduce the chance that mercury ends up in the environment. Household hazardous waste collections usually accept
these light bulbs. these light bulbs. For information specific to your state, contact your state environmental regulatory agency. Find out what household hazardous waste collection and recycling programs are available in your area by visiting Where You Live or Earth911.org.
If your state or local environmental regulatory agency offers no other disposal options except your household garbage, place the fluorescent light bulb in two plastic bags and seal it before putting it into the outside trash, or other protected outside location, for the next normal trash collection. If your waste agency incinerates its garbage, you should search a wider geographic area for proper disposal options. Never send a fluorescent light bulb or any other mercury-containing product to an incinerator.
In addition, for more information specific to your state, consult your state or local environmental regulatory agency.
Transporting Used Fluorescent Light Bulbs to a Waste Collection Facility
Households can transport fluorescent light bulbs to local household hazardous waste collection facilities that accept these light bulbs. Caution should be taken when transporting hazardous waste. If possible, use the original product container or label the container if the contents are different from the label on the container. Cover all containers with a secure fitting lid and pack containers upright in a leak-proof box. Find out what household hazardous waste collection and recycling programs are available in your area by visiting Where You Live or Earth911.org.
