Recycling light bulbs
Many types of light bulbs contain metals such as mercury. Examples include:
- tube- and compact-style fluorescent bulbs, including compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs);
- mercury vapor bulbs – i.e., high-intensity lamps with blue-white, originally used as farmyard lights;
- metal halide bulbs – i.e., newer, more efficient high-intensity lights; and
- high and low-pressure sodium vapor bulbs – i.e., yellow lights used for outdoor security lighting.
Because these bulbs contain metals and toxic chemicals, they should be properly disposed of to avoid contaminating the environment or harming human health.
Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)
Compact fluorescent lamps are used extensively in homes and businesses, and, besides being recyclable, have many environmental benefits. Certified by the EPA's Energy Star Program [exit DNR], CFLs use up to 75 percent less energy than a standard incandescent bulb, can last up to 10 times longer and save $30 or more in electricity costs over the life of the bulb. The EPA estimates that standard coal-fired power plants emit 5.5 milligrams (mg) of mercury to power an incandescent bulb over its lifetime, in comparison with 1.2 mg of mercury to power a CFL over the same period of time. Using CFLs also results in reductions of other air emissions from power plants, including carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas.
Environmental impacts
Mercury, lead and other heavy metals all have the potential to be hazardous wastes. If bulbs are broken, burned or landfilled, metals and other toxic substances can be released into the environment. This risk makes it important to dispose of CFLs and other light bulbs properly.
Despite claims by manufacturers that "green" lamps can be safely landfilled, CFLs contain trace amounts of mercury and should be properly recycled. While the amount of mercury in each bulb is small, mercury pollutes the air and water when it ends up in landfills or incinerators.
For more information on mercury and its environmental and human health effects, visit EPA's Mercury in Your Environment [exit DNR].
Energy Star/EPA factsheet: Frequently Asked Questions - Information on Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) and Mercury [PDF exit DNR]
Legal requirements for dispsoal
Wisconsin has no legal requirements for disposing of bulbs that come strictly from households. Household waste is not regulated as a hazardous waste identified in ch. NR 661, Wis. Adm. Code [PDF exit DNR]. However, the DNR encourages households to recycle mercury-containing bulbs when possible. Residents should check with their local county recycling program to see if there are local restrictions for light bulb disposal.
State and federal hazardous waste laws regulate how businesses, institutions and other non-households manage waste light bulbs that contain mercury or other toxic substances. Hazardous waste regulations use the term "lamp" instead of "bulb." This would include tube-style fluorescents and CFLs. For more information on the requirements for businesses and institutions, refer to ch. NR 673, Wis. Adm. Code [PDF exit DNR].
Preferred handling option: recycle!
In most communities, there are several options for recycling used bulbs, including tube-style fluorescents and CFLs. The DNR recommends that even "green" fluorescent bulbs be recycled because they often do contain measurable amounts of mercury.
First, try to buy your bulbs at a store that will take them back for recycling. A growing number of retailers, including several large national chains, provide this service.
Find a recycler in your area
- Focus on Energy [exit DNR] has information on where to recycle CFLs and LEDs.
- Contact your local recycling program to see if they provide for collection.
- Many county websites [exit DNR] may also contain information on recycling.
Safe handling of mercury-containing lamps and bulbs
To safely handle your waste lamps and bulbs, place them in the box they were purchased in or the special cartons provided by a recycler. For CFLs, make sure used bulbs are placed in sturdy cartons and store them in a safe place to avoid breakage.
Breaking an individual CFL bulb does not require an official hazardous material response. Visit EPA's Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) page [exit DNR] to learn about cleaning up broken CFLs.
For more detailed handling requirements, refer to ch. NR 673, Wis. Adm. Code [PDF exit DNR].