Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb Disposal

Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) contain a very small amount of mercury, about five milligrams, sealed within the glass tubing. No mercury is released when the bulb is intact or in use. However, this mercury can be an issue when you are finished using a CFL.

Because of their mercury content, you should handle CFLs the same way you would other household hazardous waste products, like paint or batteries. Never incinerate CFLs. Knox County and City of Knoxville residents should recycle used CFLs through the local, joint household hazardous waste program:

City of Knoxville

Knox County
Other Tennessee Counties

If you break a CFL, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends you take the following steps:

• Open a window for 15 minutes or more to disperse any vapor that may have escaped and then leave the room.
• Carefully scoop up the fragments and powder with stiff paper or cardboard and place them in a sealed plastic bag; use disposable rubber gloves if available. Do not use your bare hands.
• Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes and place them in the plastic bag.
• Place the plastic bag in a second plastic bag, seal it, and dispose of it by taking it to your local household hazardous waste program.
• Do not use a vacuum cleaner or broom to clean up the broken bulb on hard surfaces.