help! how do i recycle my fluorescent bulbs?
Kermit the Frog was right: it’s not easy being green. Case in point, I’ve had a rather large, burned out fluorescent tube bulb hanging around my apartment for about a month now and not a clue as to where to drop it to be recycled. I’ve Googled, I’ve Binged, and to no avail. It seems like most places that offer recycling (either mail back programs or drop off locations) only cater to smaller, household bulbs. Any advice, dear readers? –Katie D.
I my area (Austin Texas) we don’t have fluorescent tube or compact fluorescent recycling, but the hazardous waste facility will take them. Just don’t throw them in the trash because they are full of mercury.
You can turn them in to Home Depot, if there’s one near you. They will recycle them.
I found this pdf, maybe one of these is close to you?
http://www.epa.gov/osw/hazard/wastetypes/universal/lamps/where/recycle-ops.pdf
Most IKEA stores recycle fluorescent bulbs too.
Try calling your city government. Our city has a hazardous waste pick-up service, that you can use once or twice per year without charge, I forget. I save up all sorts of things like your light bulbs, old batteries, old paint and call when I’ve got a load ready.
A great question … and lots of helpful answers. Thanks for always addressing important topics.
-Deb for Ecover
I don’t know about fluorescent lightbulbs, but I did notice the other day that Target now has bins to recycle all sorts of oddball things like old electronics/cell phones.
I live in Maryland and our local Home Depot’s take them.
[...] 1) Trying to recycle fluorescent light bulbs? You have options. Katie D. asked about where she can recycle hers and our readers came up with more than a few options. DJ says, “Try calling your city government. Our city has a hazardous waste pick-up service, that you can use once or twice per year without charge, I forget. I save up all sorts of things like your light bulbs, old batteries, old paint and call when I’ve got a load ready.†Home Depot and Ikea may also take them. Anyone else have suggestions for Katie? [...]