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Light bulbs (compact fluorescent)
Accepted at 2 locations
Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are energy-efficient light bulbs that contain a small amount of mercury, about 3-4 milligrams each, sealed within the glass tubing.
Source: 19january2021snapshot.epa.gov : Recycling and Disposal of CFLs and Other Bulbs that Contain Mercury | Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) | US EPA (3)
Light bulbs (compact fluorescent) Summary
Also known as: CFL, Compact Fluorescent Lamps
Parent material: Light Bulbs
Accepted Locations

Last updated on June 21, 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 light bulbs (CFLs) use 75 percent less energy and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. CFLs contain a small amount of mercury, about 3-4 milligrams each, sealed within the glass tubing. As with many household items such as paints, cleaners, and pesticides, CFLs should be handled properly and disposed of according to state requirements, and EPA encourages consumers to recycle their spent CFLs to protect human health and avoid unsafe releases to the environment.(1, 3, 4, 5, 6)
How it’s recycled
How to prepare it
Common mistakes
Environmental impact
Recycling prevents the release of mercury into the environment, as CFLs and other fluorescent bulbs often break when thrown into a dumpster, trash can or compactor, or when they end up in a landfill or incinerator. Using energy-saving CFLs instead of incandescent bulbs reduces demand for electricity, which in turn reduces the amount of coal burned by power plants, which reduces emissions of mercury when the coal is burned.(3, 4, 5, 6)
Sources & additional reading
- Don’t be left in the dark. Safely clean up and recycle CFLs. EPA530-f-11-001 epa.gov
- 01/29/2009: Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs: Do Energy-savings Outweigh Mercury Hazard? epa.gov
- Recycling and Disposal of CFLs and Other Bulbs that Contain Mercury | Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) | US EPA 19january2021snapshot.epa.gov
- Recycling and Disposal of CFLs and Other Bulbs that Contain Mercury | US EPA epa.gov
- What are the Connections between Mercury and CFLs? | US EPA epa.gov
- Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) | US EPA epa.gov
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