Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Hazards

• Fluorescent light bulbs, including energy saving compact fluorescents, contain mercury. When a bulb breaks, it releases mercury - which is toxic to the human nervous system and can poison wildlife - into the air. Fishing in many Massachusetts water bodies is restricted due to mercury contamination.
• When a light bulb breaks, projected shards of glass may injure eyes or skin.

Handling

• Store bulbs in box or case to prevent breakage. Keep out of reach of children or pets.
• Wear glasses when handling lamps.
• If you break a bulb, follow the Guidance for Cleaning Up Broken Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs).

Management Options

• See the MassDEP web page on Fluorescent & Mercury-Added Light Bulbs.
• For recycling and disposal options, see the lists of Municipal & Commercial Drop-Off Locations for Mercury-Added Product Recycling and Mercury Recycling Companies Serving Massachusetts.
• Take to a municipal recycling center, if fluorescent bulbs are accepted. A state contract for bulb collection is available for municipalities and public sector agencies, number FAC26. For a copy of the award notice, check the state procurement Web site. If you are not familiar with how the system works, see the instructions.
• Save for the next household hazardous waste collection in your community, if accepted in your program.
• Do not dispose of in the trash, especially if your community's solid waste goes to a combustion facility.