CFL Bulb Disposal
Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFLs) save energy when used in your home or business. It’s important to understand, though, that CFLs contain mercury and cannot be discarded in the trash when they no longer work. Mercury is classified by EPA as a hazardous waste and special precautions must be taken when the bulbs are no longer usable.
How Do I Recycle CFLs?
Recycling unbroken, burned out CFLs is the perfect way to dispose of them. Area recycling convenience centers allow residents to recycle CFLs, including:
- Lenoir City Convenience and Recycling Center
- All Knox County Recycling Centers (locations).
- NOTE: The Roane County Recycling Center ONLY accepts CFLs on Hazardous Household Waste Day.
In addition to area recycling centers, most home improvement retailers offer in-store recycling. Additionally, many manufacturers offer mail-back services allowing you to send the bulb back to the manufacturer for proper disposal.
What if I Break a CFL?
If you accidentally break a CFL, special precautions must be taken to ensure that the hazardous materials are not spread around and to reduce exposure to these materials. EPA provides very comprehensive cleanup instructions on their website.
Additional Disposal Information
Businesses are subject to stricter disposal requirements than residents of Tennessee. To ensure that you are abiding by the law, click here to review the Small Business Environmental Assistance Program which helps Tennessee small businesses understand and comply with environmental regulations.