Because of the mercury, it is preferred and better for the environment if the CFLs are recycled.  Never burn or incinerate CFLs (or any mercury or plastic containing materials).  Below are options for recycling.  If there are no options in your area, CFLs may be disposed in with the household trash. 

Note:  Warranties on ENERGY STAR® bulbs are two years for those used in the home and one year for those in commercial use.  (Bulbs in commercial lighting are on for longer hours of the day.)  If your ENERGY STAR®-qualified bulb fails within its warranty period, you could be able to return it to the place of purchase for a replacement bulb.  You'll need the receipt.

·          HHW - Some communities offer household hazardous waste (HHW) collection days or recycling programs that accept CFLs and other fluorescent lamps. Check the DEQ Recycling and HHW Contacts   list or check with your local or municipal solid waste contact or your county health department to locate a program near you. 

·          Electric Companies - Local power companies might provide a recycling service.  The Lansing Board of Water and Light accepts them at their Customer Service Center at: 1232 Haco Drive, Lansing Michigan.

·          Local Retailers - Some retail stores are providing CFL recycling services.  Home Depot accepts CFLs for recycling as part of their Eco-Options  program.  The IKEA store in Canton, Michigan has a CFL recycling program .  You could ask wherever you purchase your CFL bulbs if they have a recycling program. 

·          Mail-in CFL Recycling

The DEQ provides a List of where to take mercury and mercury containing devices.

If you know of stores or other resources accepting CFLs for recycling that are not listed, please notify fieldsm@michigan.gov.

If none of these options are available to you, CFLs can be lawfully disposed in household garbage unless prohibited by local ordinance or landfill requirements.  Whenever disposed or recycled, wrap the CFL bulbs in a plastic bag to reduce the risk of bulb breakage or contamination and to protect yourself and the sanitation staff from glass cuts. 

CFL smokes

Energy Star provides information on why some CFLs might smolder or smoke at:  Customer Help.

Broken CFLs

If your bulb breaks, to get information on how to cleanup, refer to the Michigan Department of Community Health guidance at:  CFL Fact Sheet or Mercury Spill Web site .

BUSINESS USE

It is recommended that all CFLs be recycled.  See the DEQ Electric Lamps  publication for a summary of business requirements on used electric lamps and light ballasts.  There is more information on business electronics at:   Michigan Industry & Regulated Community.  Never incinerate CFLs (or any other mercury-containing materials for that matter).

The DEQ provides a List of where to take mercury and mercury containing devices.