CFL Bulbs
CFL Disposal Information
Residents may drop off Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs at the Waste Commission of Scott County's Household Hazardous Material weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. free of charge.
Household Hazardous Materials, 5640 Carey Ave., Davenport.
Bulbs may be dropped off during regular business hours. Residents may want to take advantage of the Commission's Household Hazardous Material (HHM) program and remove other toxic material from the home.
Other local options for proper CFL disposal include the following:
- Home Depot has a nationwide CFL take-back program. The store at 920 Middle Road, Bettendorf, accepts CFLs at no charge at the associate's desk. (563) 359-7228.
- Ace Hardware, 1716 W. 4th St., Davenport, accepts CFLs at no charge. (563) 323-8553
- Lowes stores accept CFLs through a take-back program. Stores at 3955 Elmore Ave., Davenport (563-344-9000) and 3820 44th Ave., Moline (309-736-1100) participate and accept bulbs at no charge.
What should I do if a CFL breaks?
Because there is such a small amount of mercury in CFLs, your greatest risk is getting cut from glass shards. Research indicates that there is no immediate health risk to you or your family should a CFL break and it's cleaned up properly. You can minimize any risks by following these clean-up and disposal guidelines:
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Sweep up—don't vacuum—using stiff paper to collect all of the glass fragments and fine particles.
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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. Put the used towel in the plastic bag as well.
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Sticky tape such as masking tape or duct tape can be used to pick up small pieces and powder. Also place the tape in the bag.
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Seal the bag tightly inside a second bag. Label the bag as "BROKEN CFL."
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If weather permits, open windows to allow the room to ventilate.
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Wash your hands.
- Set the bag out of reach of children until you can dispose of it at your local Household Hazardous Material Facility. In Scott and Rock Island counties, call (563) 386-9575.
For more information on CFLs, visit the Iowa DNR website.
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