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Light bulbs (fluorescent)
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Fluorescent lamps are electric lighting devices specifically designed to produce radiant energy, most often in the ultraviolet, visible, and infra-red regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Source: archive.epa.gov : Frequent Questions about Regulations that Affect the Management and Disposal of Mercury-Containing Light Bulbs (Lamps) | Universal Waste | US EPA (1)
Light bulbs (fluorescent) Summary
Also known as: Fluorescent Tubes, Fluorescent Lamps
Parent material: Light Bulbs
Accepted Locations

Last updated on June 21, 2026 by Green Star GM
About Light bulbs (fluorescent)
What it is
Mercury, an essential part of fluorescent bulbs, allows them to be efficient light sources. The amount of mercury in a fluorescent lamp ranges between 3.5 to 15 milligrams, depending on the type, manufacturer, and when it was made. Although the amount of mercury in a single fluorescent lamp is small, millions are sold in the United States each year, and collectively they contribute to mercury released into the environment when improperly discarded.(2, 3, 4)
How it’s recycled
Recycling allows reuse of the glass, metals and other materials that make up fluorescent lights, and virtually all components can be recycled. Fluorescent tubes are shipped to specialized recyclers that use special machines to extract the mercury and break down the aluminum caps and glass casing. Mercury can be reused in new bulbs or products like thermostats.(4, 6, 7)
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 recyclers. Recyclers generally require that bulbs arrive unbroken. Do not tape lamps together or use rubber bands. Close and securely seal boxes or containers with tape.(4, 6, 7)
Common mistakes
The most important mistake to avoid when a bulb breaks is vacuuming immediately—proper cleanup requires airing out the room and using careful methods to dispose of waste appropriately. Another common mistake is not minimizing breakage during storage and transport; standard precautions include using the boxes from new lamps to store old ones.(5, 7)
Environmental impact
Recycling prevents the release of mercury into the environment. When thrown into trash or landfills, fluorescent bulbs often break and release mercury. However, fluorescents are significantly more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs, requiring less energy from coal-burning power plants, which also release mercury into the environment, so their use actually reduces overall mercury emissions.(2, 3, 4)
Sources & additional reading
- Frequent Questions about Regulations that Affect the Management and Disposal of Mercury-Containing Light Bulbs (Lamps) | Universal Waste | US EPA archive.epa.gov
- What are the Connections between Mercury and CFLs? | Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) | US EPA 19january2017snapshot.epa.gov
- Mercury-Containing Light Bulb (Lamp) Basic Information | Universal Waste | US EPA archive.epa.gov
- Recycling and Disposal of CFLs and Other Bulbs that Contain Mercury | US EPA epa.gov
- Cleaning Up a Broken CFL | US EPA epa.gov
- Establishing a Recycling Program for Mercury-Containing Light Bulbs | US EPA epa.gov
- How to Recycle Fluorescent Tubes - Earth911 earth911.com
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