Do CFLs contain mercury?

CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing-an average of less than 4 milligrams--about the amount that would cover the tip of a ballpoint pen. Mercury is an essential part of CFLs; it allows the bulb to be an efficient light source. No mercury is released when the bulbs are intact (unbroken) or in use.

Where do I dispose of used CFLs?

• The Home Depot® has launched a national in-store, consumer CFL recycling program at all Home Depot locations. This is a free service. Customers can bring in expired, unbroken CFL bulbs to the returns desk. The CFLs will then be managed responsibly by an environmental management company for proper packaging, transportation, and recycling to ensure environmental compliance.
• CFL disposal options within your community visit www.lamprecycle.org or www.earth911.org.

What precautions should be taken when using CFLs in the home?

CFLs (as well as incandescent light bulbs) are made of glass and can break if dropped or roughly handled. Be careful when removing any bulb from its packaging, installation, or replacement. Always screw and unscrew the light bulb by its base (not the glass), and never forcefully twist the bulb into a light socket. If a CFL breaks in your home, follow the clean-up recommendations below.

Disposal and handling of a broken CFL*

1. Before clean-up, air out the room
   • Open a window and vacate the room for 15 minutes.
   • Shut off central forced-air heating/air conditioning system if you have one.
2. Clean-up steps for hard surfaces
   • Carefully scoop up glass fragments and powder using stiff paper or cardboard and place them in a sealed plastic bag.
   • Use sticky tape to pick up any remaining small glass pieces or powder.
   • Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes. Place used towels in a sealed plastic bag.
3. Clean-up steps for carpeting or rug
   • Carefully pick up fragments and place them in a sealed plastic bag.
   • Use sticky tape to pick up any remaining small glass pieces or powder.
   • Avoid vacuuming the area for at least several days if possible.
   • The next time you do vacuum the area where the bulb was broken, remove the vacuum bag (or empty and wipe the canister) and put the bag or debris in a sealed plastic bag.
4. Disposal of clean-up materials
   • Immediately place all clean-up materials outdoors in a trash container or protected area.
   • Wash your hands after disposing of clean-up materials.
   • Check with local state or government about disposal requirements in your specific area.

*Taken from ENERGY STAR®, a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy program.

For more information on all sources of mercury, please visit http://www.epa.gov/mercury.

For more information about compact fluorescent bulbs, visit http://www.energystar.gov/cfls.