Proper disposal of compact fluorescent light bulbs
Compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs contain a very small amount of mercury, so do not put used CFLs in the garbage. While the amount of mercury in a single bulb is extremely small, it will harm the environment if large numbers of bulbs are disposed of in landfills.
Select PSE offices, participating retail locations and county household hazardous waste facilities recycle CFLs for free. Click here for a complete list of CFL recycling locations near you.
Mercury facts
Mercury is an essential component of CFL bulbs and is what allows the bulb to be an efficient light source. No mercury is released when the bulbs are intact or in use. The mercury is sealed within the glass tubing – an average of 5 milligrams. In comparison, older thermometers contain about 1,000 milligrams of mercury. Manufacturers are taking steps to reduce mercury in their fluorescent lighting products; some CFL bulbs now have as little as 2 milligrams.
| Products |
Average amount of mercury |
| Average CFLs, including ENERGY STAR® qualified CFL bulbs |
 Less than 5 mg
Size comparison of mercury found in a typical CFL bulb sold in the U.S. |
| Button cell batteries used in watches, hearing aids, some toys and calculators |
9 mg |
| Street lighting |
30 mg |
| Fever thermometer |
1,000 mg |
| Blood pressure monitor |
110,000 mg |
What if a CFL bulb breaks?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offers detailed instructions for safely cleaning up and disposing of broken CFL bulbs. Visit epa.gov/mercury/spills for current instructions.
More information
For more information, read the CFL recycling flier:
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