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Light bulbs (compact fluorescent)
Accepted at 2 locations
Compact fluorescent light bulbs are small fluorescent light bulbs that use about 75 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Material Details
Also known as: CFL, Compact Fluorescent Lamps
Parent material: Light Bulbs
Accepted Locations

Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
Last updated on June 9, 2026 by Green Star GM
About Light bulbs (compact fluorescent)
What it is
Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) contain a small amount of mercury, about 3-4 milligrams each, sealed within the glass tubing. CFLs can help you save money, use less energy, reduce light bulb changes, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. EPA encourages consumers to recycle their spent CFLs to protect human health and avoid unsafe releases to the environment.
How it’s recycled
Bulbs are put through a machine, called a tumbler, where they are crushed and the components are separated. The glass, metal, mercury, and phosphor is separated so that it can be stored or used again. Mercury can be reused in new bulbs or products like thermostats, aluminum is recycled as scrap metal, and the glass is downcycled into materials like concrete or ceramic.
How to prepare it
Store fluorescent light bulbs in containers that prevent them from breaking, such as in their original boxes, boxes from replacement bulbs, or containers supplied by fluorescent light bulb recyclers. Put the CFL in a plastic zipper bag to prevent any mercury from leaking if it breaks during transportation. Do not tape or tie bulbs together.
Common mistakes
Vacuuming is not recommended unless broken glass remains after all other cleanup steps have been taken, as vacuuming could spread mercury-containing powder or mercury vapor. Don't pack multiple CFLs in the same bag, as this will increase the chance of them breaking.
Environmental impact
CFLs use less electricity than incandescent lights, reducing the amount of mercury released into the environment from power plants. However, recycling prevents the release of mercury from the bulbs themselves. CFLs often break when thrown into a dumpster, trash can or compactor, or when they end up in a landfill or incinerator. When this happens, mercury can seep into landfill groundwater and create contaminated leachate, which can affect drinking water supplies.
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Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
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Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
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Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
Last updated on June 3, 2026 by Green Star GM
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Drop box is located near the Northwest corner of the parking lot just West of the welcome center.
Last updated on June 5, 2026 by Green Star GM
Last updated on June 5, 2026 by Green Star GM
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
Fairbanks Police Department
Last updated on June 9, 2026 by Green Star GM
Last updated on June 5, 2026 by Green Star GM
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM

FNSB Central Recycling Facility (CRF)
The FNSB Central Recycling Facility (CRF) is a service for FNSB residents and businesses / organizations only. Unlike the landfill, there is no provision for "out of borough" collection. Residents and businesses…
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
The FNSB Sanitary Landfill also serves as the transfer sites for FNSB residents living inside the City of Fairbanks.
Last updated on June 16, 2026 by Green Star GM
See FNSB documents for accepted items and fees
Last updated on June 9, 2026 by Green Star GM
See FNSB documents for accepted items and fees
Last updated on June 13, 2026 by Green Star GM
See FNSB documents for accepted items and fees
Last updated on June 9, 2026 by Green Star GM
See FNSB documents for accepted items and fees
Last updated on June 9, 2026 by Green Star GM

FNSB Residential Transfer Site - Farmers Loop East
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Last updated on June 9, 2026 by Green Star GM

FNSB Residential Transfer Site - Farmers Loop West
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Last updated on June 9, 2026 by Green Star GM
See FNSB documents for accepted items and fees
Last updated on June 9, 2026 by Green Star GM
See FNSB documents for accepted items and fees
Last updated on June 9, 2026 by Green Star GM
See FNSB documents for accepted items and fees
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Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
Fred Meyer - East Fairbanks
Last updated on June 5, 2026 by Green Star GM
Fred Meyer - West Fairbanks
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
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Home of the Green Star electronics recycling warehouse and our Reuse IT discounted refurbished electronics store, Repair IT desktop and laptop repair, Rebuild IT computer building classes and Reboot IT technology grants.
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
Home Depot - Fairbanks
Take compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) to staff at self-checkout lane if service desk attendants do not know where they belong.
Last updated on June 9, 2026 by Green Star GM
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
Formerly Chena Power / K & K Recycling
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Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
Acceptable items: Clean Clothing Linens and towels Clothing accessories: belts, ties, scarves, hats Small appliances Clean shoes, boots, sandals, etc. Vehicles with titles Toys, games, puzzles Eye glasses Books, DVD'S, VHS's, Cassette…
Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM
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