Mercury is an essential element in the operation of fluorescent lighting; it allows the bulbs to be an efficient light source. Because CFLs contain trace amounts of mercury, it is important to educate yourself on proper use, recycling and disposal of these products.

The Facts about CFLs and Mercury

Because CFLs use less electricity than traditional light bulbs, they reduce demand for electricity; that reduction means less mercury is emitted from power plants. CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury — an average of 4 milligrams in each bulb. No mercury is released when the bulbs are intact or in use.

Why the EPA, DOE and others are promoting the use of CFLs

CFLs use significantly less energy than traditional light bulbs (75% less). If every home in America replaced just one incandescent light bulb with an ENERGY STAR qualified CFL, we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to that of 800,000 cars. And even though CFLs contain a small amount of mercury that could ultimately end up in the environment, that amount is significantly less than the amount of mercury avoided as a result of the energy savings.

Recycling and Disposing of CFLs in Connecticut

Like any other product containing potentially hazardous materials that you use in your home, CFLs come with some special instructions. Connecticut residents can find state-specific information for hazardous waste collection, recycling, mercury content and basic information related to CFLs by visiting the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) website at http://www.ct.gov/dep or by calling 860-424-3000. Click here to find a retailer who recycles CFLs in your area.

Topics to Search on the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Website

• Household Hazardous Waste Collection
• Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Household Hazardous Waste Programs and Collection Schedule
• Compact Fluorescent Lamp
• Household Products Containing Mercury
• Establishing a Reverse Distribution Program for Recycling Mercury-Added Lamps

FAQs About CFLs and Mercury

Click here to view the FAQs about CFLs and Mercury

Additional Resources for Information on CFL Recycling

www.earth911.org
www.epa.gov/bulbrecycling