CFL Recycling

BUFFALO, IA—Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) are increasingly replacing incandescent lighting in homes and businesses because of their energy efficiency. While incandescent bulbs can be safely thrown in the trash, CFLs and other fluorescent bulbs contain mercury, which can be considered a hazardous waste that requires special disposal.

In Scott and Rock Island counties, residential bulbs are accepted free of charge through Waste Commission of Scott County’s programs. If a resident only has in-tact bulbs to dispose of, they can be dropped off between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at the following locations: Scott Area Recycling Center, 5640 Carey Avenue, Davenport and Scott Area Landfill, 11555 110th Avenue (County Road Y-48), Davenport.

Although bulbs can be dropped off during regular business hours, residents may want to take advantage of the Household Hazardous Material (HHM) appointment system and remove other toxics from the home. Call 563-381-1300 for an appointment to dispose of paints, stains, varnishes, pesticides, fertilizers, cleaners and other mercury-containing items at no charge.

Wal-Mart Supercenter, 3930 44th Avenue Drive, Moline has recently started accepting CFLs through a take-back program. Customers can drop off used CFLs in the drop-boxes at both entries. The store greeter is available for questions. The Moline store is currently the only Wal-Mart in the Quad City area participating in the CFL take-back, but additional stores are considering a similar program.

Approximately 200 million CFLs were sold in the U.S. in 2007, reports the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA). According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), these bulbs contain small amounts of mercury (an average of 5 milligrams or about 1/100th of the amount of mercury found in a mercury fever thermometer), but they are one of numerous sources that collectively impact the environment during disposal.

Recyclability of Fluorescent Bulbs
Virtually all components of a fluorescent bulb can be recycled. The metal end caps, glass tubing, mercury and phosphor powder can all be separated and reused. Recyclers often sell the metallic portions as scrap metal. The recycled glass can be remanufactured into other glass products. The mercury can be recycled into new fluorescent light bulbs and other mercury-containing devices.
(Source: U.S. EPA)

Energy Efficiency of Fluorescent Bulbs
These bulbs are significantly more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs because they require less energy to provide lighting. Electrical generation from coal-burning power plants also releases mercury into the environment. The use of fluorescent bulbs in place of incandescent bulbs lowers energy use and thus reduces the associated release of mercury from many power plants. Fluorescent bulbs are also more cost effective as they last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. (Source: U.S. EPA)

If a Fluorescent Bulb Breaks
Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) states that there is no immediate health risk in the home should a CFL break and it is cleaned up properly. Risks can be minimized by following these clean-up and disposal guidelines: (Source: Iowa DNR)

• Open windows to allow the room to ventilate.
• Sweep up-do not vacuum-using stiff paper to collect all of the glass fragments and fine particles.
• Place broken pieces and the paper in a plastic bag and wipe the area with a damp paper towel to pick up any stray shards of glass or fine particles. Also put the used towel in the plastic bag.
• Use masking tape or duct tape to pick up small pieces and powder and place tape in the bag.
• Seal the bag tightly inside a second bag. Label the bag as "BROKEN CFL."
• Wash your hands.
• Set the bag out of reach of children until you can properly dispose of it at any of Waste Commission of Scott County’s locations. In Scott and Rock Island counties, call 563-381-1300.

Waste Commission of Scott County is an inter-governmental agency whose mission is to provide environmentally sound and economically feasible solid waste management. For more information about mercury-containing bulbs or the Commission, please call (563) 381-1300 or visit www.wastecom.com.
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