Learn about bulb recycling
All compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), including ENERGY STAR® qualified bulbs, currently contain a small amount of mercury—about 5 milligrams (mg) per bulb. That’s less than the mercury in your average watch battery, and just enough to cover the tip of a ballpoint pen. In December 2008, the U.S. Department of Energy changed its regulations, requiring that all CFLs contain even less mercury.
Though it’s an extremely small amount of mercury, these bulbs still need to be recycled properly.
find retailers that recycle ENERGY STAR qualified light bulbs.
The bulbs don’t emit mercury when they’re intact, in use and properly stored or handled—possessing no harm to consumers. In fact, they actually contribute to a reduction in total mercury in our atmosphere. That’s because power plants emit mercury when they burn coal to produce electricity. Because ENERGY STAR qualified light bulbs use 75 percent less energy than standard bulbs, they lead to significantly reduced power plant mercury emissions. Click below to learn more about mercury.
